LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





DDDDt,E1437A 



V<W WW v% W*. VWWMMUVW* %/WVWWVfc-WVW vvv ?v3' 



\ 



memoirs f: 

I 

OF ? 

GEORGE WASHINGTON, I 

FIRST PRESIDENT f 

I 

©F THE $ 

? 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



A NEW EDITION, 

WITH CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS. | 

I 



-*- 



HARTFORD : 

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED 

By John R vss:t..iL, jr. 

> And for Sole, Wholesi' and lit- tut. at kwi 

Printing Office a: d Book -b Co re, $ 

| State-Street, $ 

| ........ $ 

S 1813. | 



MEMOIRS 



OF 



GEN. GEO. WASHINGTON. 



FIRST PRESIDENT 



OF THE 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 



A NEW EDITION, 

WITH CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS, 



^WVWWWWWWWWVVWVWVWWVVWWVVWVWWV'M "». 



HARTFORD ; 

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED 
By JOHN RUSSELL, Jk. 

And for Sale, Wholesale and Retail, at his 

Frinting-Office and Book- Store, 

State Street, 

.... 

1813, 



e: 



o\ t 



(A 



y 



MEMOIRS 

OF 

GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

FIRST PRESIDENT 

OF THE UNITED STATES, 



wwwwvwv 



GEORGE WASHINGTON was born Fe- 
bruary 22d, 1732, in the parish of Wash- 
ington, in Westmoreland county, in the state of 
Virginia. Kis father, Mr. Augustine Washing- 
ton, had a numerous offspring. He was pos- 
sessed of a large property, and of distinguished 
reputation. George was his third son, and 
the first fruit of his second marriage. At 
the age of ten years, he lost his father. He re- 
ceived his education from a private tutor, under 
whom he acquired a knowledge of the Latin 
language, sufficient for the ordinary purposes of 
life . his mother tongue gramaiically, and the 
elements cf mathematics, which he, in his rising 
years, carefully improved by practical experi- 
ments in topographical and military plans At 
fifteen years old, he was entered a midshipman 
on board a British ship of war, then stationed 
<sn the coast of Virginia. But after his baggage 



4 Memoirs of General Washington. 

had been packed up for embarkation, the plan 
was abandoned in obedience to the calls of ma- 
ternal affection. For several years after he 
quitted his tutor, the learning he had acquired 
was much improved by a disposition to study. 
His mind was directed principally to practical 
knowledge. He became a skillful surveyor ; 
and in the practice of that art, obtained infor- 
mation respecting; the vacant lands of his native 
state, and their probable future value, which 
afterwards greatly contributed to the increase of 
his private fortune. 

At the death of his brother, Lawrence, the va- 
cant office of Adjutant General was, in conse- 
quence of the increased population and exten- 
sive limits of the colony, divided into three dis- 
tricts, and the future Hero of America, before 
he was twenty years of age, began his military 
career, by an appointment to the rank of Major 
in that department. 

In 17.^)3 Lieutenant Governor Dinwiddie des- 
patched young Major Washington, with plenary 
power to treat with the Indians, and to engage 
them to continue firm in their attachment to 
England, and to warn the French to desist from 
the inroads they were making, in direct violation 
of the treaties then subsisting between the 
two crowns. This mission he performed with 
singular industry, intelligence, and address. 

The appointment of Major Washington was 
sjeejned a circumstance somewhat extraordina- 



Memoirs of General Washington. 5 

sy at that period ; it was said that a youth unac- 
quainted with the enlarged commerce of the 
world, unexperienced in political concerns, ap- 
peared to be unfit to be employed to conduct a 
negotiation, wherein subjects of the greatest im- 
portance were involved. It was very true that 
the subjects were important, for they shortly 
after became the origin of a war between the 
two nations, which raged for many years, and 
extended throughout every part of the globe, 
and which ended in the final expulsion of the 
French from the continent. 

But those who had formed such superficial 
notions of the Major, were, in the end, deceiv- 
ed by the success and abilities manifested 
through the whole transaction. This having 
been the first effort of that career which has ter- 
minated with so much splendor in history, and 
honor and happiness to himself and his country. 
A report of his proceedings sent to Governor 
Diuwiddie, of Virginia, on that occasion, is 
highly illustrative of that activity and penetra- 
tion which have signalized his character on a 
more extensive theatre, at a subsequent period. 

On his return from this perilous embassy, 
with Mons. de St. Pierre's answer, and his good 
success in the Indian negotiations, Major Wash- 
ington was complimented with the thanks and 
approbation of his country. His journal does 
great credit to his industry, attention, and judg- 
ment : and it has since proved of infinite ser* 

A2 



B Memoirs of General Washington, 

rice to those who have been doomed to trarerse 
the same inhospitable tracts. 

Governor Dinwiddie's letter to the French 
commandant, and Mens, de St. Pierre's answer, 
have been published in several periodical works, 
both in Ameriea and England. The Governor's 
letter stated, that he had heard with surprise and 
concern, that the French were erecting fortresses 
and making settlements in the lands upon the 
river Ohio, which are the property of the crown 
of Great-Britain ; in consequence of which, he 
is induced in the name of the king, to send the 
bearer, George Washington, Esq. one of the Ad- 
jutants-General of the forces of Virginia, to 
complain of the encroachments made in viola- 
tion of the treaties subsisting between the two 
crowns, requesting by whose authority he had 
marched from Canada, with an armed force, to 
invade the British territories, and that the French 
forces depart peaceably, without prosecuting a 
purpose so interruptive to the harmony which 
his majesty is so desirous to continue and culti- 
vate with <he Most Christian King. Also that 
Major Washington might be entertained with the 
politeness of bis rank. The French command- 
ant's answer only stated, that he would transmit 
the Governor's letter to Canada, to his General 
the Marquis du Quesne, by whose answer he 
would be guided ; that he was upon French 
ground, by the orders of his General, conse- 
quently that he could not obey the summons of 



Memoirs of General Washington. 7 

*he Governor ; and that he had made it his par- 
ticular care to receive Mr. Washington with the 
distinction suitable to his dignity. 

In 1754, the designs of the French becoming 
more manifest, and their movements more dar- 
W orders were issued by administration for the 
colonies to arm and unite in one coiifederacy. 
The Assembly of Virginia took the lead, by 
voting a sum of money for the public service, 
and raising a regiment for the ^protection of toe 
frontiers of the colony. Of this corps, Mr I ry, 
one of the Professors of the College, was ap- 
pointed Colonel, and Major Washington receiv- 
ed the commission of Lieutenant Colonel But 
Colonel Fry died on the march, at Pavers on b 
creek; and of course left his regiment to the 
second in command. He had under his com- 
mand one hundred and fifty men. His orders 
were to march to the Ohio. During his march 
he was joined by a small detachment under 
command of Captain Stephens, and when he 
had proceeded as fa, as Will's creek he receiv- 
ed intelligence that Capt. Trent had been obhged 
to surrender the Fort which he had erected be ; 
tween the Ohio and French creek, to a bod> ol 
about eight hundred French ; whereupon Colonel 
Washington deemed it impracticable to marcn 
towards the Fort, without a sufficient force, 
thought it most prudent to proceed to open roads 
so as to preoccupy the advantageous post at 
*he confluence of the Alle^ny and Montmg*- 



8 Memoirs of General Washington. 

hela rivers. He was to have been joined by a 
detachment of independant regulars from "the 
southern colonies, together with some companies 
of provincials from North-Carolina and Mary- 
land. But perceiving the necessity of expedi- 
tion, and without waiting for their arrival, he com- 
menced his march ; but. notwithstanding his pre- 
cipitated advance, the French had already taken 
possession and erected a fortification, which they 
named Fort du Qitesiie, in honor of the Marquis 
du Quesne, the French Governor of Canada 

Colonel Washington accordingly proceeded 
on his march from Will's Creek ; bravely en- 
countering all the obstacles and difficulties of 
an impervious wilderness, crossing mires, sa- 
vannas and rivers. His men were sometimes 
forced to ford rivers so deep as to take them up 
to the arm-pits ; when he had proceeded as far 
as Turkey-foot, he received information that a 
party of French, commanded by M. de Jumon- 
ville, were concealed within a short distance of 
his camp ; whereupon he secured his waggons, 
and put himself in the best means of defence' 
he was capable of, until he had learned the 
strength of the enemy, and the place where 
they were. 

Having received from the Indians the neces- 
sary information, on the night of the 27th of 
May, he set out with his men, under a heavy 
rain, and a night dark as pitch, they travelled 
gjonga path scarcely broad enough for one 



Memoirs of General Washington. % 

man ; they were sometimes fifteen or twenty 
minutes out of the path before they could come 
to it again, and so dark, that they would often 
strike one against another ; all night they con- 
tinued their route, and in the morning about 
sun-rise, formed themselves for an engagement, 
marching one after another in the Indian man- 
ner ; the enemy did not discover them until 
they were close upon them, when Colonel 
Washington's company fired, and was support- 
ed by Mr. Wager's '; these two companies re- 
ceived the whole fire of the French, which 
lasted a quarter of an hour before the enemy 
was routed out. M de Jumonville and nine 
others were killed, one wounded, and twenty- 
one made prisoners. Among the prisoners was 
the celebrated woodsman, Mons. de la Force. 

The following extract from Colonel Wash- 
ington's Journal of his proceedings given in to 
Governor Dinwiddie, places these transactions 
in a point of view r , that may be considered as 
correct. " We were advanced pretty near to them 
as we thought, when they discovered us ; where- 
upon I ordered my company to fire, mine was 
supported by Mr. Wager's and my company 
and his received the whole fire of the French, 
during the greatest part of the action, which 
only lasted a quarter of an hour, before the 
enemy was routed. 

" We killed M de Jumonville, the command- 
er of that party, as also nine others ; we 



10 Memoirs of Gemral Washington. 

wounded one, and made twenty-one prisoners, 
among whom were M. la Force, M Droullon, 
and two cadets. The Indians scalped the dead, 
and took away most part of their fire arms, 
after which we marched on with the prisoners 
and guard, to the Indian camp, where again I 
held a council with the half king ; and there in- 
formed him, that the Governor was desirous to 
see him, and was waiting for him at Winches- 
ter ; he answered, that he could not go just 
then, as the people were in too imminent dan- 
ger from the French, whom they had fell up- 
on ; that he must send messengers to all the 
allied nations, in order to invite them to take 
op the hatchet. ,, 

From the French prisoners, Colonel Wash- 
ington had intelligence, that the French forces 
on the Ohio consisted of upwards of one thou- 
sand regulars, and some hundreds of Indians. 
Upon this intelligence, and considering his little 
army, which was somewhat reduced, and en- 
tirely insufficient to act offensively against the 
French ard Indians, he fell back to a place 
known by the appellation of the Great Meadmvs, 
for the sake of forage and supplies. Here he 
built a temporary stockade, merely to cover 
his stores ; it was from its fate called Fort Neces- 
sity. Colonel Washington was too sensible of 
the advantages of du Quesne, to abandon the 
idea of taking it Ever since he left Will's 
^Sreek, he had been indefatigable in his eser* 



Memoirs of General Washington. 11 

tions to form the regiment, open roads, and 
gain the Indians over to the side of the English, 
as also to watch the operations of the French, 
and to gain a knowledge of the Forts, situation, 
and forces, even as far as the Lakes. He had 
wrote to the Governors of Pennsylvania and 
Maryland, requesting their aid in the augmen- 
tation of his army. He remained at Fort Ne- 
cessity for the arrival of some expected succour 
from New- York and Pennsylvania unmolested, 
until July following, when his small forGe, even 
after it was joined by captain M'Kay's regulars, 
did not amount to four hundred effectives, was 
attacked by an army of French and Indians, 
computed to have been sixteen hundred strong, 
under the command of the Sieur de Villiers, 
the brother of M. de Jumouville. The chief 
intention of this campaign, the French officer 
acknowledged, was to revenge the death of his 
brother, and to hinder any establishments on 
the lands claimed by the king of France. 

The Virginians sustained the attack of the 
enemy's whole force for several hours, and laid 
near two hundred of them dead in the field, 
when the French commander, discouraged by 
such determined resolution, proposed the less 
dangerous method of dislodging his enemy by 
a parly, which ended in a capitulation. It was 
stipulated, that Colonel Washington should 
march away with all the honors of war, and be 
allowed to carry off his military stores, effects 



12 Memoirs of General Washington. 

and baggage. After this disaster the remains 
of the Virginia regiment returned to Alexandria, 
to be recruited and furnished with necessary 
supplies ; during this period the French redoub- 
led their activity and diligence on the Ohio, and 
in other places, and Virginia, who determined 
to send out a larger force in the spring following, 
erected the Forts Cumberland and Loudon, and 
formed a camp at Will's creek, in order to 
annoy the enemy on the Ohio. In these sever- 
al services (particularly in the construction of 
Forts) Colonel Washington was principally em- 
ployed. 

About this time, Mr. Lawrence Washington, 
his eldest brother died, and left him a consict- 
erable estate on the Potomac, which he call- 
ed Mount Vernon, in compliment to Admiral 
Vernon. To this delightful spot Colonel Wash- 
ington now retired, and devoted his attention 
to the avocations of private life. 

In 1755, the British government sent to this 
country General Braddock, who was appointed 
to the command of all the troops and forces 
which were, or that should be raised in, or 
sent to North America ; he landed at Williams- 
burgh, Virginia, in February, with two veteran 
regiments from Ireland, but sent his men up 
the Potomac to Alexandria, there to encamp 
until he was joined with the independent and 
provincial corps of America ; with this army 
he was t# penetrate through the country to Fort 



Memoirs of General Washington. 13 

Du Quesne (now Fort Pitt) by the rout of Will's 
creek to repel the French from the confines oi 
the British settlements, and as no person was 
better acquainted with the frontier country than 
Colonel Washington, and no one in the colony 
enioved so well established a military character, 
he was judged to be highly serviceable to Gen- 
eva! Braddock ; but from a royal arrangement 
of rank, by which " no officer who did not 
immediately derive his commission from the 
Uin<r, could command one who did," Colonel 
Y/as'hington cheerfully relinquished his regi- 
ment, and went as an extra aid de-camp into 
the family of General Braddock. in this ca- 
pacity at the battle of Monongahela, on the 9th 
of July, M5, he attended that General, whose 
life was gallantry sacrificed in attempting to ex- 
tricate his troops from that fatal ambuscade into 
which his overweening confidence had conduct- 
ed them. Braddock had several horses shot 
under him, before he fell himself; and there was 
not an officer, whose duty obliged him to be on 
horseback that day, excepting Colonel W ashmg- 
ton, who was not either killed or wounded. 
His duty and situation exposed him to every 
danger. He had two horses killed under him 
amffour balls through his coat. Nothing but 
the superintending care of Providence could 
have saved him from the fate of all around 
him. This circumstance enabled him to dis- 
play greater abilities in covering the retreat and 

B 



14 Memoirs of General Washington* 

saving the wreck of the army, than he could 
otherwise have done As soon as he had secur- 
ed their passage over the ford of the Monona 
hela, and found they were not pursued, he hast- 
ed to concert measures for their further securi- 
ty with Colonel Dunbar, who had remained 
with the second division and heavy baggage at 
some distance in the rear. ToeSTccUhis he 
travelled with two guides, all ni««rht, through an 
almost impervious wilderness, notwithstanding 
the fat.gues he had undergone in the day, and 
although he had so imperfectly recovered from 
sickness, that he was obliged in the morning to 
be supported with cushions on his horse. The 
public accounts in Britain and America were not 
parsimonious of applause for the essential ser- 
vice he had rendered on so Irving an occasion 

Not long after this time, the regulation of 
rank, which had been so injurious to the colonial 
officers was changed to their satisfaction, in 
consequence of the discontent of the officers 
and the remonstrance of Colonel Washington' 
The supreme power of Virginia, impressed 
with a due sense of his merits, gave him, in a 
new and extensive commission, the command 
of all the troops raised and to be raised in that 
colony. 

It would not comport with the intended brev- 
ity of this sketch, to mention in detail ihe plans 
he suggested, or the system he pursued for de- 
tending the frontiers, until itie year 1758, when x 



Memoirs of General Washington, 15 

he commanded the van brigade of General 
Forbes' army in the capture of Fort du Quesne. 
A similar reason will preclude the recital of the 
personal hazards and achievements which hap- 
pened in the course of Ins service. 

After the evacuation of Fort Du Quesne by 
the French, the works were repaired and 
the new Fort was distinguished by the name of 
Fort Pitt, in honor of the great Statesman then 
at the head of the English administration. 

The French being removed from the Ohio, 
and Indian hostility having, in a great measure, 
Ceased, his health also being much impaired, 
and his domestic affairs requiring his attention ; 
lie determined to withdraw from a service, 
which he believed he might now quit without 
dishonor. He according resigned his com- 
mission about the close of the year 1758. 

Shortly after Colonel Washington's resigna- 
tion, he married Mrs. Custis,* an amiable young 
widow, said to have possessed a fortune of 
twenty thousand pounds sterling (about eighty- 
eight thousand and nine hundred dollars) in her 
own right, besides her dower in one of the prin- 
cipal estates in Virginia With thi3 lady Colo- 
nel Washington settled as a planter and farmer 
on his estate in Fairfax county, in Virginia. 

After some years he gave up planting tobacco, 
and went altogether into the farming business. 

* General and Mrs. Washington were both 
bom in one year. 



16 Memoirs of General Washington. 

He has raised seven thousand bushels of wheat, 
and ten thousand bushels of corn, in one year. 
Although he has confined his own cultivation to 
his domestic tract of about nine thousand acres, 
yet he possessed excellent lands, in large quan- 
tities, in several other counties 

After he left the army, until the year 177 -i, 
lie thus cultivated the arts of peace. He was 
constantly a Member of Assembly, a Magis- 
trate of his county, and a Judge of the court. 
At this period, he was appointed by the Assem- 
bly of Virginia, in conformity with the univer- 
sal wish of the people, to be one of their four 
Delegates at the first General Congress of Dele- 
gates from all the provinces, which met at Phi- 
ladelphia on the 26th of October, 1774, and 
consisted of fifty one members. It was with no 
small reluctance that he engaged again in the 
active scenes of life ; and we sincerely believe 
that no motives but such a^ spring from the 
most disinterested patriotism, could have pre- 
vailed upon him to relinquish the most refined 
domestic pleasure, which it was ever in his 
power to command, and (he great delight he 
took in farming and the improvement of his 
estate. 

He was also appointed Delegate to the Con 
gress which assembled in 1775, in which it was 
at length determined, after every step towards 
an accommodation had failed, and every peti- 
tion from America had been rejected, to repel 



Memoirs of General Washington. \1 

by force the invasion from Great-Britain. The 
eyes of the whole continent were immediately 
turned upon Mr. Washington. With one com- 
mon voice he was called forth to the defence of 
fois country ; and it is, perhaps, his peculiar glo- 
ry, that there was not a single inhabitant of these 
states, except himself, who did Hot approve 
the choice, and place the firmest confidence in 
his integrity and abilities. 

He arrived at Cambridge in New-England, in 
July, 1775, and there took the supreme com- 
mand of the army of the United Colonies. Pre- 
vious to this period, hostilities had actually com- 
menced. On the 19th of April, 1775, blood 
was first shed at the battle of Concord ; and on 
the 16th of June following, the memorable bat- 
tle of Breed's Hill, commonly celled Bunker's 
Hill, was fought. 

General Washington was received at the camp 
with that heartfelt exultation, which superior 
merit alone can inspire, after having, in his pro- 
gress through the several states, received every 
mark of affection and esteem, which they con- 
sidered were due to the man, whom the whole 
continent looked up to for safety and freedom. 

The following Address was presented to him 
on his accepting the supreme command of the 
army, by the Provincial Congress of New York, 



B 2 



13 Memoirs of General Washington. 



ADDRESS, 

"Presented to His Excellency General Washington^ 
by the Provincial Congress of New- York. 

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY, 

At a time when the most loyal of Ms ma- 
jesty's subjects, from a regard to the laws and 
constitution by which he sits on the throne, feel 
themselves reduced to the unhappy necessity of 
taking up arms, to defend their dearest rights 
and privileges — while we deplore the calamities 
of this empire, we rejoice in the appointment 
of a gentleman, from whose abilities and virtue 
we are taught to expect both security and peace. 

Confiding in you, Sir, and in the worthy Gen- 
erals immediately under your command, we 
have the most flattering hopes of success in the 
glorious struggle for American liberty, and the 
fullest assurances, that whenever this important 
contest shall be decided, by that fondest wish of 
each American soul, an accommodation with 
our mother country, you will cheerfully resign 
the important deposit committed into your 
hands, and reassume the character of our wor- 
thiest citizen. 

By Order, 
P. V. B. LIVINGSTON, President. 

,Nen-York 9 June 2Gth 9 1775. 



Memoirs of* General Washington, 19 



General Washington's Answer, 

GENTLEMEN, 

At the same time that with yon I deplore 
the unhappy necessity of such an appointment, 
as that with which I am honored, I cannot but 
feel sentiments of the highest gratitude, for this 
affecting instance of distinction and regard. 

May your warmest wishes be realised in the 
success of America, at this important and in- 
teresting period ; and be assured that every ex- 
ertion of my worthy colleagues and myself, will 
be equally extended to the re-establishment of 
peace and harmony, between the mother coun- 
try and these colonies ; as to the fafcai but neces- 
sary operations of war, when we assumed the 
soldier, we did not lay aside the citizen ; and 
we shall most sincerely rejoice with you in that 
happy hour, when the establishment of Ameri- 
can liberty, on the most firm and solid founda- 
tions, shall enable us to return to our private 
stations, in the bosom of a free, peaceful, and 
happy country. 

G. WASHINGTON. 



His conduct as a General and Commander ia 
Chief, is well known. He underwent many 
hardships, dangers, and difficulties, and con- 
ducted his military operations with much sklf] 
and ability. 



20 Memoirs of General Washington* 

It would not comport with the intended bre- 
vity of the present memoirs, for us to particu- 
larize all his transactions in the course of the 
revolutionary war, as the impression which they 
made is yet fresh in the mind of every citizen. 

But it is hoped, posterity will be taught, in 
what manner he transformed an undisciplined 
body of peasantry into a regular army of sol- 
diers. Commentaries on his campaigns would 
undoubtedly he highly interesting and instruct- 
ive to future generations. The conduct of his 
first campaign, in March, 1776, in compelling 
the British troops to abandon Boston, by a 
bloodless victory, will merit a minute narration. 
But a volume will scarcely contain the mortifi- 
cations he experienced, and the hazards to 
which he was exposed, in the years 1776 and 
1777, in contending against the prowess of 
Britain, with an inadequate force. Her armies 
were far superior to his in number, well organ- 
ized and disciplined, inured to a camp life, com- 
manded by officers well experienced in military 
tactics, and aided by powerful fleets, while his 
was composed of raw and undisciplined peas- 
ants, " just dragged from the tender scenes of 
domestic life — unaccustomed to the din of arms 
— totally unacquainted with every kind of mili- 
tary skill" — unused to the subordination so es- 
sentially requisite in an army, and often in want 
of arms, ammunition, clothes, and even food, 
often exposed to the inclemency of the weather, 



Memoirs t)f General WaslUnglon. 21 

in the most rigorons seasons, without tents, or 
even a blanket, and discouraged by the want of 
regular pay. These circumstances fully account 
for the unsuccessful issue of his first campaign. 
The battle of Long-Island was fought in Au- 
gust, 1776; his army were driven from their 
post bv the British ; above two thousand Ame- 
ricans* fell on the field, and about half that num- 
ber were taken prisoners. Fort Washington on 
York Island, surrendered soon after, with two 
thousand prisoners : desertion and sickness ad- 
ded to his misfortunes. His army, which at 
the time Lord Howe landed on Long-Island, 
amounted to 25,000 men, was now reduced to 
about one eighth part of that number. 

The approach of winter happily checked the 
progress of the enemy. General Washington's 
perseverance and intrepidity, improved this cir- 
cumstance into important advantages. At 
Trenton, on the morning of the 26th of Decem- 
ber, he surpised a body of the enemy's troops, 
who finding themselves surrounded, without 
further resistance, agreed to lay down their 
arms —Twenty-five ^Officers, and nearly one 
thousand soldiers, were made prisoners ; while 
the Americans had only three or four wounded. 

On the 3d of January following, at Princeton, 
he made another successful attempt, where he 
took three hundred prisoners. These enterprises 
ehee'd ihe drooping spirits of his men, and 
again added reputation to the American awns. 



22 Memoirs of General TFashinglw. 

He afterwards retired to Morristown, where be 
remained during the winter, with an inferior 
force, but with superior skill, checking the ene- 
my from any further encroachments in that part 
of the country We shall not enter into a mi- 
nute description of the various battles and skir- 
mishes, in which he was personally encaged 
during the campaign of 1777. At the battle of 
XSracdywine, he made a gallant resistance, but 
was at last forced to quit his ground with (he 
loss of about twelve hundred men killed, wound- 
ed, or taken prisoners At Germantowu he was 
repulsed with the loss of six hundred killed or 
wounded, and about four hundred prisoners. 
He afterwards retired to winter quarters, at Val- 
ley Forge. His army was at this time in a most 
miserable condition, marching; without stock in-s 
or shoes, over rhe frozen ground, their (eM 
were so gashed that their steps were marked 
with bipod : Some hundreds of them were with- 
out blankets ; and in this condition they were 
in the middle of winter, to sit down in a forest' 
and build huts for shelter. The destitute situa- 
tion of the American army, at all times, was 
certainly a means of procrastinating the war ; 
oftentimes it was upon the eve of dissolulion; 
even mutinies have been the consequence, while 
want of success prevented many of the soldiers 
from continuing longer than the period of their 
short enlistments, and caused frequent des ion. 
Indeed, nothing but the good destiny and con- 



Memoirs of General Washington. 2S 

summate prudence of the Commander in Chief, 
prevented the want of success from producing 
want of confidence on the part of the public ° 
for want of success is apt to lead to the adop- 
tion of .pernicious counsels, through the levity 
of tiie people, or the ambition of their dema- 
gogues. In the three succeeding years, the germ 
of discipline unfolded ; and the resources of 
America having been called info co-operation 
with the land and naval forces of France, pro- 
duced the glorious conclusion of the campaign 
in 1781. On the 19th of Oct. of that year, 
the army under command of General Washing- 
ton, forced that of the enemy, then under com- 
mand of Lord Cornvvallis, to make a final sur- 
render ; his land forces were made prisoners of 
v :V to Congress ; and the naval forces were 
given up to France. From this time, the doom 
began to disappear from our political horizon, 
and the affairs of the union proceeded in a me- 
liorating train until a peace was most ably nego- 
tiated by our ambassadors in Europe, in 17S3 
by which thirteen of the American colonics 
were established as sovereign and independent 
states. 

General Washington having never been in 
Europe, he could not possibly have seen much 
military service when the armies of England 
were sent to subdue America ; yet still, for a 
variety of reasons, he was by much the most 
proper man on this continent, ami probablv anv 



24 Meirioirs of General Washington. 

where else, to be placed at the head of an Ame- 
rican army. The very high estimation he stood 
in for integrity and honor, his engaging in the 
cause of his country from sentiment and a con; 
viction of her wrongs, moderation in politics, 
his extensive popularity, and his approved abili- 
ties as a commander, were motives which ne- 
cessarily obliged the choice of America to fall 

upon him. 

That nature had given him extraordinary miU* 
tary talents, will hardly be controverted by his 
most bitter enemies ; and having been early 
actuated with a warm passion to serve his coun- 
try in the military line, he has greatly improved 
them by unwearied industry, and a close appli- 
cation to the best writers upon tactics, and by 
a more than common method and exactne: * : 
and, in reality, when it comes to be considered, 
that at first he only headed a body of men en- 
tirely unacquainted with military disipline or 
operations, somewhat ungovernable in temper, 
and who at best couid only be styled an alert and 
good miiitia, acting under very short enlistments, 
unclothed, unaccoutred, and at all times very ill 
supplied with ammunition and artillery : and 
that with such an army he withstood the ravages 
and progress of nearly forty thousand veteran 
troops, plentifully provided with every neces- 
sary article ; commanded by the bravest officers 
in Europe : and supported by a very powerful 
navy, which effectually prevented all move- 



Memoirs of General Washington. 2£ 

ments.by water : when, we say, all this comes 
to be impartially considered, we think we may 
venture to pronounce, that General Washington 
will be regarded by mankind as one of the great- 
est military ornaments of the present age, and 
his name will command the veneration of the 
latest posterity. 

No person, but those who had an opportunity 
of viewing the continental army, can form any 
adequate idea of its imperfect state when Gen- 
eral Washington first assumed the command, nor 
was it without the most unwearied application 
and perseverance, which few men but him could 
have undergone that he was able to establish 
that disipline which ultimately aided his suc- 
cess. From the period he first assumed the 
command, until the final dissolution of the 
army, his care and anxiety for them continued. 
The army he considerd his family : and after 
the embarrassments of the day and the toil and 
fatigues of a battle, we find him stealing a por- 
tion of time allotted for rest, devising means the 
most salutary, for their amelioration, at all times 
characterized with that economy and frugality 
which the national resources required. 

The following extracts from his official let- 
ters to Congress on this subject, are worthy of 
perusal ; they do ample justce to his feeling, and 
must make a lasting impression on the heart 
of nis fellow soldiers 



26 Memoirs of General Washington, 

Extract of a letter from General Washington? 
to the honorable Congress, dated Cambridge f 
September 21, 1775. 

« It gives me great pain to be obliged to so- 
licit the attention of the honorable Congress to 
the state of this army, in terms which imply 
the slightest apprehension of being neglected. 
But my situation is inexpressibly distressing, to 
see the winter fast approaching upon a naked 
army : the time of their service within a few 
weeks of expiring ; and no provision yet made 
for such important events. Added to these, the 
military chest is totally exhausted; the pay- 
master has not a single dollar in hand: the 
Commissary- General assures me he has strain- 
ed his credit, for the subsistence of the army 
to the utmost. — The Quarter-Master-General is 
precisely in the same situation ; and the great- 
est part of the troops are in a state not far from 
mutiny, upon the deduction from their stated 
allowance. I know not to whom I am to im- 
pute this failure ; but I am of opinion, if the 
evil is not remedied, and more punctuality ob- 
served in future, the army must absolutely 
break up. I hoped I had so fully expressed 
myself on this subject, (both by letter, and to 
those members of the congress who honored 
the camp with a visit) that no disappointment 
could possibly happen. I therefore hourly ex- 
pected advice from the pay-master tiiat he had 



Memoirs of General Washington, 27 

received a fresh supply, in addition to the hun- 
dred and seventy-two thousand dollars delivered 
hina hi August : and thought myself warranted 
to assure the public creditors that in a few day 9 
they should be satisfied. But the delay has 
brought matters to such a crisis, as admits of 
no further uncertain expectation. I have there- 
fore sent off this express, with orders to 
make all possible despatch. It is my most 
earnest request that he may be returned with 
all possible expedition, unless the honorable 
Congress have already forwarded what is so in- 
dispensably necessary." 

I have the honor to be, &c. 

G.W, 



Letter from General Washington, to the Presi' 
dent of Congress. 

New-York, My 25, 1776. 
" SIR — Disagreeable as it is to me, and un- 
pleasing as it may be to Congress, to multiply 
officers, I find myself under the unavoidable 
necessity of asking an increase of my aids-de- 
camp. The augmentation of my command ; 
the increase of my correspondence ; the orders 
to give ; the instructions to draw ; cut out more 
business than I am able to execute in time 
with propriety. The business of so many dif- 
ferent departments centering with me, and by 
me to be handed to Congress for their inform* 8 



23 Memoirs of General Washington. 

tion; added to the intercourse I am obliged to 
keep up with the adjacent states ; and inciden- 
tal occurrences ; all which require confidential! 
and not hack writers to execute ; renders it im- 
possible, in the present state of things, for my" 
family to discharge the several duties expected: 
of me, with that precision and despatch that 1 1 
could wish. What will it be then, wheat 
we come into a more active scene, and I ara i 
called from twenty different places perhaps at 
the same instant ? 

" Congress will do me the justice to believe (I 
hope) that it is not my inclination or wish to 
run the continent to any unnecessary expense ; 
and those who better know me, will not sus- 
pect that show and parade can have any influ- 
ence on my mind in this instance. A convic- 
tion of the necessity of it for the regular dis- 
charge of the trust reposed in me, is the gov- 
erning motive for the application ; and, as such 
is submitted to Congress, • by 

Sir, Your most obedient, ccc. 

G. W." 



Extract of a letter from General Washington, to 
Uie President of Congress. 

New-York, Septemter 2, 1776. 
« sir — As my intelligence of late has been 
rather unfavorable, and would be received with 
anxiety and concern ; peculiarly happy should 



Memoirs of General Washington. 2*1 

I esteem myself, were it in my power at this 
time, to transmit such information to Congress 
as would be more pleasing and agreeable to 
their wishes ; but unfortunately for them, it 
is not. 

* Our situation is truly distressing. The 
check our detachment sustained on the twenty- 
seventh ultimo, has dispirited too great a propor- 
tion of our troops, and filled their minds with 
apprehension and despair. The militia, instead 
of calling forth their utmost efforts to brave and 
manly opposition in order to repair our losses, 
are dismayed, untractable, and impatient to re- 
turn. Great numbers of them have gone off ; 
in some instances, almost by whole regiments, 
by half ones, and by companies at a time. 
This circumstance, of itself, independent of 
others, when fronted by a well appointed ene&w, 
superior in number to our whole collected force, 
would be sufficiently disagreeable: but, when 
their example has infected another part of the 
army ; when their want of discipline, and re- 
fusal of almost every kind of restraint and gov- 
ernment, have produced a like conduct but too 
common to the whole, and an entire disregard 
of that order and subordination necessary to 
the well HiJoing of an army, and which has been 
inculcated before,as well as the nature of our mili- 
tary establishment would admit of; our condition 
is stifl more alarming , and with the deepest con- 
cern I am obliged to confess my want of con 
fidence in the generality of the troops. 
' C 2 



50 Memoirs of General Washington. 

" AH these circumstances fully confirm the 
opinion I ever entertained, and which 1 more 
than once in my letters took the liberty of men- 
tioning to Congress, that no dependance could 
be put in a militia, or other troops than those 
enlisted and embodied for a longer period than 
our regulations heretofore prescribed. I am 
persuaded, and as fully convinced as I am of 
any one fact that has happened, that our liber- 
ties must of necessity be greatly hazarded, if 
not entirely lost, if their defence is lett to any 
but a permanent standing army ; I mean one 
to exist during the war. Nor would the ex- 
pense, incident to the support of such a body 
of troops as would be competent to almost eve- 
ry exigency, far exceed that which is daily in- 
curred by calling in succor, and new enlist- 
ments, which, when effected, are not attended 
with any good consequences. Men who have 
been free, and subject to no controul, cannot 
be reduced to order in an instant ; and the pri- 
vileges and exemptions they claim, and will 
have, influence the conduct of others ; and the 
aid derived from them is nearly counterbalanc- 
ed by the disorder, irregularity, and confusion 
they occasion. 

" i cannot find that the bounty of ten dollars 
is likely to produce the desired effect. When 
men can get double that sum to engage for a 
month or two in the militia, and that militia fre- 
quently called out, it is hardly to be expected. 



Memoirs of General Washington. SI 

The addition of land might have a considera* 
t>le influence on a permanent enlistment. 



Letter from General Washington, to the Presi- 
dent of Congress. 

Col. Morris's, on the Heights of Harlaem, Sep- 
ttmherZMh, 1776. 

" SIR — From the hours allotted to sleep, I 
will borrow a few moments to convey my 
thoughts on sundry important matters to Con- 
gress. I shall offer them with the sincerity 
which ought to characterize a man of candor, 
and with the freedom which may be used in 
giving useful information, without incurring the 
imputation of presumption. 

" We are now, as it were, upon the eve of 
another dissolution of our army. The remem- 
brance of the difficulties which happened upon 
the occasion last year, the consequences which 
might have followed the change, if proper ad- 
vantages had been taken by the enemy, added 
to a knowledge of the present temper and sit- 
uation of the troops, reflect but a gloomy pros- 
pect upon the appearances of things now, and 
satisfy me beyond the possibility of doubt, 
that unless some speedy and effectual measures 
are adopted by Congress, our cause will be 
lost. 



82 Memoirs of General Washington. 

" It is in vain to expect that any, or more 
than a trifling part of this army, will again en- 
gage in the service on the encouragement offer- 
ed by Congress ; when men find that their towns- 
men and companions are receiving twenty, thir; 
ty, and more dollars, for a few months' service 
(which is truly the case ;) it cannot be expect- 
ed, without using compulsion : and to force 
them into the service w T ould answer no valuable 
purpose. When men are irritated, and the 
passions inflamed, they fly hastily and cheerful- 
ly to arms ; but after the first emotions are over 
* * *, a soldier, reasoned with upon the good; 
ness of the cause he is engaged in, and the in- 
estimable rights he is contending for, Ifears you 
with patience, and acknowledges the truth of 
your observations, but adds, that it is of no more ; 
importance to him than others. The officer 
makes you the same reply, with this further 
remark, that his pay will not support him, and 
lie cannot ruin himself and family to serve his 
country, when every member of the communi- 
ty is equally interested and benefited by his la- 
bors. * -x * 

w It becomes evidently clear, then, that as 
this contest is not likely to be the work of a 
<Iay — as the war must he carried on systematic- 
ally — and to do it you must have good officers 
—there are, in my judgment, no other possible- 
means to obtain them but by establishing your- 
army upon a permanent footing, and giving 



Memoirs of General Washington. 33 

your officers good pay. This will induce gen- 
tlemen and men of character to engage : and, 
till the bulk of your officers are composed of 
such persons as are actuated by principles of 
honor and a spirit of enterprise, you have l'ttle 
Ao expect from them. They ought to have such 
allowances as will enable them to live like and 
support the characters of gentlemen. * * « 
Besides, something is due to the man who puts 
his life in [your] hands, hazards his health, and for- 
sakes the sweets of domestic enjoyment. Why a 
captain in the continental service should receive 
no more than five shilliugs currency per day 
for performing the same duties that an officer 
of that rank in the British service receives ten 
shillings sterling for, I never could conceive ; 
especially, when the latter is provided with eve- 
ry necessary he requires upon the best terms, 
and the former can scarcely procure them at 
any rate. There is nothing which gives a man 
consequence and renders him fit for commaud 
iike a support that renders him independent of 
every body but the state he serves. 

" With respect to ^he men, nothing but a 
good bounty can obtain them upon a permanent 
establishment ; and for no shorter time than the 
continuance of the war, ought they to be en- 
gaged ; as facts incontestibly prove that the dif- 
ficulty and cost of enlistments increase with 
time. — When the army was first raised at Cam- 
bridge, I am persuaded that the men might 



34 Memoirs of General Washington. 

have been got, without a bounty, for the war. 
After this they began to see that the contest 
was not likely to end so speedily as was imagin- 
ed, and to feel their consequence by remarking 
thai to get in the militia in the course of (he last 
3' ear, many towns were induced to give them a 
bounty. 

" Foreseeing the evils resulting from this, 
and the destructive consequences which una- 
voidably would follow short enlistments I took 
the liberty in a Ions letter (date not now recol- 
lected, as my letter book is not here j to recom- 
mend the enlistments for and during the war, 
assigning such reasons for it as experience hag 
since convinced me were well founded. At 
that time, twenty dollars would, I am persua- 
d?d, have engaged the men for this term. But 
it will not do to look back ; and if the present 
opportunity is slipped, I am persuaded that 
twelve months more will increase our difficulties 
four fold I shall therefore take the freedom of 
giving it as my opinion, that a good bounty be 
immediately offered, aided by the proffer of at 
jea^t a hundred or a hundred and fifty acres 
ot land, and a suit of clothes and blanket to 
each non-commissioned officer and soldier : a9 
I have good authority for saying, that, howev- 
er bisjh the men's pay may appear, it is barely 
sufficient, in the present scarcity and dearness 
of all kinds of goods, to keep them in clothes, 
much less afford support to their families. 



Memoirs of General WasJdnglon. 35 

" If this encouragement then is given to the 
men, and such pay allowed the officers as will 
induce gentlemen of character and liberal senti- 
ments to engage, and proper care and precau- 
tion used in the nomination (having more regard 
to the characters of persons than the number 
of men they can enlist) we should in a little 
time have an army able to cope with any that 
can be opposed to it, as there are excellent ma- 
terials to form one out of. But while the only 
merit an officer possesses is his ability to raise 
men, while those men consider and treat him 
as an equal, and (in the character of an offi- 
cer) regard him no more than a broomstick, 
being mixed together in one common herd, no 
order nor discipline can prevail; nor will the 
office ever meet with that respect which is 
essentially necessary to due subordination. 

" To place any dependance upon militia is 
assuredly resting upon a broken staff — men just 
dragged from the tender scenes of domestic life, 
— unaccustomed to the din of arms, — totally un- 
acquainted with every kind of military skill: 
which being followed by want of confidence in 
themselves, when opposed to troops regularly 
trained, disciplined, and appointed, superior in 
arms, makes them timid and ready to fly from 
their own shadows. Besides, the sudden change 
in their manner of living (particularly in lodg- 
ing,) brings on sickness in many, impatience in, 
Hllj and suGh an unconquerable Sesire of rttam- 



36 Memoirs of General Washington.. 

ing to their respective homes, that it not only- 
produces shameful and scandalous desertisons 
among themselves, but infuses the like spirit 
into others. 

" Again ; men accustomed to unbounded 
freedom and no controul, cannot brook the re- 
straint which is indispensably necessary to the 
good order and government of an amiy j with- 
out which, licentiousness and every kind of dis- 
order triumphantly reign. To bring men to a 
proper degree of subordination is not the work 
of a day, a month, or even a year; and unhap- 
pily for us and the cause we are engaged in, the 
little discipline I have been laboring to establish 
in the army under my. immediate command, is 
in a manner done away, by such a mixture of 
troops as have been called together within these 
few months. 

" Relaxed and unfit as our rules and regula- 
tions of war are for the government of an army, 
the militia (those properly so called ; for of 
these we have two sorts, the six- months men,, 
and those sent in as a temporary aid,) do not 
think themselves subject to them, and therefore 
take liberties which the, soldier is punished for. 
This creates jealousy ; jealousy begets dissatis- 
faction ; and these by degrees ripen into muti- 
ny, keeping the whole army in a confused and 
disordered state ; rendering the time of those 
who wish to, see regularity and good order pre- 
vail, more unhappy than words can describe. 



Memoirs of General Washington. 3'? 

Besides this, such repeated changes take place, 
that ail arrangement is set at nought, and the con- 
stant fluctuation of things deranges every plan as 
fast as adopted 

" These, sir, Congress may be assured, are 
but a small part of the inconveniencies which 
might be enumerated, and attributed to militia : 
but there is one that merits particular attention, 
and that is the expense. Certain I am, that it 
would be cheaper to keep fifty or an hundred 
thousand in constant pay, than to depend upon 
half the number, and supply the other half oc- 
casionally by militia. The time the latier are 
in pay before and after they are in camp, assemb- 
ling and marching ; the waste of ammunition, 
and the consumption of .-tores, which in spite 
of every resolution or requisition of Congress, 
they must be furnished with, or sent home ; ad- 
ded to other incidental expenses consequent 
upon their coming and conduct in camp, sur- 
passes all idea, and destroys every kind of re- 
gularity and economy which you could esta- 
blish among fixed and settled troops, and will, 
in my opinion, prove (if the scheme is adhered 
to) the ruin of our cause 

" The jealousies of a standing army, and the 
evils to be apprehended from one, are remote, 
and, in my judgment, situated and circumstanc- 
ed as we are, not at ail to be dreaded ; but the 
consequence of want in a: one. according to my 
ideas formed from the present view of things, 
9 



38 Memoirs of Genera! Washington. 

;s certain and inevitable ruin. For if I was call- 
ed upon oath, whether the militia have been 
most serviceable or hurtful upon the whole, I 
should subscribe to the latter. I do not mean 
by this, however, to arraign the conduct of 
Congress : in so doing, 1 should equally con- 
demn my own measures, if not my judgment : 
but experience, which is the best criterion to 
work by, eo fully, clearly, and decisively re- 
probates the practice of trusting to militia, that 
no man who regards order, regularity, and econ- 
omy, or who has any regard to his own honor, 
character, or peace o* mind, will risk them up- 
on 'lib issue. * * « 

" An army formed of good officers, moves. 
tike 'clock- work : but there is no situation upon 
earth loss enviable nor more distressing than 
that person who is at the bead of troops who are 
regardless of order and discipline, who are unpro- 
vided with almost every necessary. In a word, 
the difficulties which have for ever surrounded me 
since I have been in the service, and kept my 
mind constantly upon the stretch — the wounds, 
which my feelings (as an officer) have received 
by a thousand things which have happened con- 
trary to my expectation and wishes, *'#•* * — 
add to a consciousness of my inability to govern 
an army composed of such discordant parts, 
and under such a variety of intricate and per- 
plexing circumstances — induce not only a be- 
lief, but a borough conviction in my mind, that 



Memoirs of General Washington. 39 

it will be impossible (unless there is a thorough 
change in our military system) for me to con- 
duct in such a manner as to give satisfaction to 
the public, which is alLthe recompense I aim 
at, or ever wished for. 

" Before I conclude, I must apologize for the 
liberties taken in this letter, and for the blots 
and scratchings therein, not having time to give 
it more correctly. With truth I can add, that, 
with every sentiment of respect and esteem, 1 
am yoprs and the Congress' most obedient, &.c. 

G. W." 



Correspondence between General Washington and 
General Gage, respecting the bad treatment of 
prisoners. 

Letter from His Excellency General Washington, 
to General Gage. 

Head- Quarters, Cambridge, Aug. 11,1775. 
" SIR — I understand that the officers, engag- 
ed in the cause of liberty and their country, 
who by the fortune of war, have fallen into your 
hands, have been thrown indiscriminately into 
a common gaol, appropriated for felons — thai 
no consideration has been made for those of the 
most respectable rank, when languishing with 
wounds and sickness — that some of them havw 
been amputated in this unworthy situation, 



40 Memoirs of General Washington. 

" Let yotir opinion, Sir, of (he principle which 
actuates them, be what it may, they suppose 
(hey act from the noblest of all principles, a 
love of freedom and their country. But poli- 
tical opinions, I conceive, are foreign to this 
point. The obligations arising from the right of 
humanity and claims of rank, are universally 
binding and extensive, except in case of retali- 
ation. These, 1 should have hoped, would have 
dictated a more tender treatment of those indi- 
viduals, whom chance of war had put in youp 
power. Nor can I forbear suggesting its fatal 
tendency to widen that unhappy breach, which 
you, and those ministers under whom you act, 
have repeatedly declared you wish to see for 
ever closed. 

" My duty now makes it necessary to apprise 
you, that for the future. I shall regulate my con- 
duct towards those gentlemen of your army, 
w r ho are or may be in our possession, exactly 
by the rule you may observe towards those of 
ours, who may be in your custody 

" If severity and hardship mark the line of 
your conduct, (painful as it may be to me) your 
prisoners will feel its effects ; but if kindness and 
humanity are shown to ours, I shall, with pleas- 
ure, consider those in our hands, only as unfor- 
tunate, and they shall receive from me that 
treatment to which the unfortunate a?e entitled. 

" I beg to be favored with an answer as soon 
as possible, and am, Sir, vour humble servant, 

G. "WASHINGTON"* 

IBs Excellency General Gage, 



Memoirs of General Washington. $1 
ANSWER. 

Boston, August 13, 1775. 

11 SIR — To the glory of civilized nations, hu- 
manity and war have been compatible ; and 
compassion to the subdued is become almost a 
genera] system. 

" Britons, ever pre-eminent in mercy, have 
outgone common examples, and overlooked 
the criminal in the captive. Upon these prin- 
ciples your prisoners, whose lives, by the laws 
of the land, are destined to the cord, have hith- 
erto been treated with kindness, and more 
comfortably lodged than the kind's troops in 
the hospitals ; indiscriminately, it is true, for I 
acknowledge no rank that is not derived from 
the king. 

" My intelligence from your army would 
justify recrimination I understand there are 
some of the king's faithful subjects, taken some 
time since by the rebels, laboring like Negro. 
slaves, to gain their daily subsistence, or reduc- 
ed to the wretched alternative, to perish by 
famine, or take up arms against their king and 
country. Those, who have made the treat- 
ment of the prisoners in my hands, or of your 
other friends in Boston, a pretence for such 
measures, founded barbarity upon falsehood. 

" I would willingly hope, sir, that the senti- 
ments of liberality which I have always believ- 
ed you to possess, will be exerted to correct 

D 2 



4£ Memoirs of General Washington. 

their misdoings Be temperate in political dis- 
quisition ; give free operation to truth, and pun- 
ish those who deceive and misrepresent ; and 
not onlv the effects, but the causes of tins un- 
happy conflict will soon be removed. 

■" Should those, under whose usurped author- 
ity you act, controul such a disposition, and 
dare to call severity retaliation, to God, who 
knows all hearts, be the appeal for the dread- 
ful consequences. I trust, that British soldiers, 
asserting the rights of the state, the law of the 
land, the being of the constitution, will meet 
all events with becoming fortitude. They will 
court victory with the spirit their cause inspires, 
and from the same motives, will find the pa- 
tience of martyrs under misfortune. 

il Till I read j^our insinuations in regard to 
ministers, I conceived that I had acted under 
the king ; whose wishes, it is true, as well as 
those of his ministers, and of every honest 
man, have been to see this unhappy breach 
closed, but unfortunately for both countries, 
those who have long since projected the present 
crisis, and influence the councils of America, 
have views very distant from accommodation. 

" I am, sir, your obedient, humble servant. 

"THOMAS GAGE 

a George Washington, Esq" 



a 



Memoirs of General Washington. 43 
REPLY. 

Head-Quarters, Cambridge, Aug. 19, 1775. 

« SIR — I addressed you on the 11th instant, 
in terms which gave the fairest scope for the 
exercise of that humanity and politeness, which 
were supposed to form a part of your charac- 
ter. I remonstrated with you on the unworthy 
treatment shown to the officers and citizens of 
America, whom the fortune of war, chance, or 
a mistaken confidence, had thrown into your 
hands. 

" Whether British or American mercy, for- 
titude and patience, are most pre eminent — 
whether our virtuous citizens, whom the hand 
of tyranny has forced into arms, to eSeftnd 
their wives, their children, and their property, 
or the mercenary instruments of lawless domina- 
tion, avarice, and revenge, best deserve the ap- 
pellation of rebels, and the punishment of thnt 
cord, which your affected clemency has forborn 
to inflict— whether the authority under which 
I act, is usurped, or founded on the genuine 
principles of liberty, were altogether foreign to 
the subject. I purposely avoided all political 
disquisition ; nor shall I now avail myself of 
those advantages, which the sacred cause of 
jny country, of liberty, and human nature, give 
me over you ; much less shall I stoop to retort 
any invective. But the intelligence, you say 
you have received from our army, requires a 



44 Memoirs of General Washington. 

reply. I have taken time, sir, to make a strict 
inquiry, and find that it has not the least found- 
ation of truth. Not only your officers and sol- 
diers hare been treated with a tenderness due 
to fellow-citizens and brethren, but even those 
execrable parricides, whose conneils and aid 
deluged their country in blood, have been pro- 
tected from the fury of a justly enraged people. 
Far from compelling or permitting their assis- 
tance, I am embarrassed with the numbers who 
crowd to our camp, animated with the purest 
principles of virtue and love of their country. 
You advise me to give free operation to truth ; 
to punish misrepresentation and falsehood. 
If experience stamps value upon counsel, yours 
muse have a weight which few can claim. Yott 
best can tell how tar the convulsion, which has 
brought such ruiu on both countries, and shaken 
the mighty empire of Britain to its foundation, 
m?y be traced to these malignant causes 

" You affect, sir, to despise all rack, not de- 
rived from the same source with your own. Ii 
cannot conceive one more honorable, than that 
which flows from the uncorrupted choice of a 
brave and free people, the pure&t source and 
original fountain of all power. Far from mak- 
ing it a plea for cruelty, a mind of true magna- 
nimity and enlarged ideas, would comprehend 
and respect it. 

" What may have been the ministerial views 
which have precipitated the present crisis, Lss* 



Memoirs of General Washington. 45 

mgton, Concord, and Charlestown, can best 
declare. May that God, to whom you then 
appealed, judge between America and you. 
Under his Providence, those who influence the 
councils of America, and all the other inhabi- 
tants of the United Colonies, at the hazard of 
their lives, are determined to hand down to 
posterity, those just and invaluable privileges 
which they received from their ancestors 

" I shall now, sir, close my correspondence 
with you, perhaps for ever. If your officers, 
our prisoners, receive a treatment from me, 
different from what I wished to shew them, 
they and you will remember the occasion of it 
"lam, Sir, your verv humble servant, 

" G. WASHINGTON. 

R General Gage." 



The preceding letters will ever convey to the 
World a sufficient testimony of the attention and 
care, which, at all times, General Washington 
extended to the soldiers under his command. 

To those ungrateful few, who, stimulated by 
malice, have therefore endeavored to sully his 
honor and military reputation, and to impress 
upon the public mind, the ungenerous idea, that 
he was instrumental to the shedding of innocent 
blood, and inflicting wanton cruelty upon tlje 
prisoners of the enemy, we recommend a peru- 



46 ffiemoirs of Gerwal Washington, 

sal of his letters to Congress upon that subject : 
there they will find him combating the idea with 
the language of reason, and censuring the inhu- 
man practice. The historians of the American 
war have uniformly represented the case of Ma- 
jor Andre, as an example of murder, on the 
part of America. On this occasion, Gen. Wash- 
ington sacrificed his own feelings, to the " ne- 
cessities of inexorable justice." The sentence 
was pronounced with much hesitation, and, at 
its execution, he was seen to shed tears. Nor 
is it necessary for us to remind them of his for- 
titude to withstand the threats, or virtue to scorn 
the bribes of the emmissaries of the British 
cabinet, for one uniform principle of prudence 
and wisdom seems to have regulated every 
transaction of his life. 

When General Washington received the joy- 
ful intelligence of peace, he expressed himself 
to the army which had accompanied him through 
the dangers, toils, and difficulties of this glori- 
ous struggle, in an address calculated to awaken 
emotions of joy and triumph, but pointedly dis- 
countenancing disorder and licentiousness. He 
assured them, that there would be no delay in 
discharging them with every mark of distinction 
and honor. 

On the 26th of August, 1783, General Wash- 
ington, at the request of Congress, proceeded 
to Princeton, where the Congress was then sit- 
ting, and being introduced by two members, the 
^President addressed him as follows, to wit ;-~ 



$Ieimir3 »f General Washington. 47 

" SIR — Congress feel particular' pleasure ia 
seeing your Excellency, and in congratulating 
you on the success of a war, in which you 
have acted so couspicuous a part. 

"It has been the singular happiness of the 
U. States, that during a war so long, so danger- 
ousj and so important, Providence has been gra- 
ciously pleased to preserve the life of a Geneva!, 
who has merited and possesed the uninterrupted 
confidence and affection of his fellow citizens. 
In other nations, many have performed services 
for which they have deserved and received the 
thanks of the public ; but to you, Sir, peculiar 
praise is due : your services have been essential 
in acquiring and establishing the freedom and 
independence of your country ; they deserve the 
grateful acknowledgments of a free and inde- 
pendent nation - r those acknowledgments Con- 
gress have the satisfaction of expressing to your 
Excellency. 

"Hostilities have now ceased, but your coun- 
try still needs your services; she wishes to 
avail herself of your talents in forming the ar- 
rangements which will be necessary for her in 
the time peace ; for this reason, your attend- 
ance at Congress has been requested. A com- 
mittee is appointed to confer with your Excel- 
lency, and receive your assistance in preparing 
and adjusting plans relative to those important 
objects." 



43 Memoirs of General Washington* 

To which His Excellency made the following 

REPLY. 
c{ Mr. President, 

" I am too sensible of the honorable reception 
I have now experienced, not to be penetrated; 
with the deepest feelings of gratitude. 

" Notwithstanding Congress appear to esti- 
mate the value of my life beyond any services 
I have been able to render the United States, 
yet I must be permitted to consider the wisdom 
and unanimity of our National Counsels, the 
firmness of our citizens, and the patience and 
bravery of our troops, which have produced so 
happy a termination of the war, as the most 
conspicuous effects of the Divine interposition, 
and the surest presages of our future happiness. 

u Highly gratified by the favorable sentiments 
which Congress are pleased to express of my 
conduct, and amply rewarded by the confidence 
and affection of my fellow-citizens, I cannot 
hesitate to contribute my best endeavors towards 
the establishment of the national security im 
whatever manner the sovereign power may 
think proper to direct, until the ratification of 
the definitive treaty of peace, or the final evacu- 
ation of our country by the British forces ; afters 
either af which events, I shall* ask permission, 
fo retire to the peaceful shade of private life. 

" Perhaps, Sir, no occasion may eifer more 
suitable than the present, to express my humble 
thanks to God, and my graceful aekflowletig- 






Memoirs of General Washington. 49 

merits to my country, for the great and uniform 
support I have received in every vicissitude of 
fortune, and for the many distinguished honors 
which Congress have been pleased to confer 
upon me in the course of the war.'* 



After the final conclusion of the peace in 1783, 
a proclamation was issued by Congress, Octo- 
ber 18th, directing the discharge of the army ; 
whereupon General Washington, before he re- 
signed his important charge, delivered the i'ol- 
tawing elegant and pathetic address to the offi- 
cers and soldiers under his command, viz. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S 

Farewell Orders to the Armies of the U. States, 

Rocky-Hill, near Princeton, Nov. 2, 1783. 
Tn& United States in Congress assembled, 
after giving the most honorable testimony to 
the federal armies, and presenting them with 
the thanks of their country, for their long, emi- 
nent and faithful services — having thought pro- 
per, by their proclamation, bearing date the 
18th of October last, to discharge such part of 
the troops as were engaged for the war, and to 
permit the officers on furlough to retire from 
service, from and after to-morrow, which hav- 



£0 Memoirs of General Washington* 

ing been communicated in the public papers for 
the information and government of all concerned; 
it only remains for the Commander in Chief to 
address himself once more, and that for the 
hist time, to the armies of the United States 
(however widely dispersed the individuals who 
compose them may be) and bid them an affec- 
tionate — a long farewell. 

But before the Commander in Chief takes Ms 
final leave of those he holds most dear, he 
wishes to indulge himself a few moments in- call- 
ing to mind a slight review of the past — he will 
then take the liberty of exploring, with his 
military friends, their future propects ; of advis- 
ing the general line of conduct which, in his 
opinion, ought to be pursued ; and he will con- 
clude the address, by expressing the obligations 
he feels himself under for the spirited and able 
assistance he has experienced from them, in the 
performance of an arduous office. 

A contemplation of the complete attainment, 
at a period earlier than could have been expect- 
ed, of the object for which we contended, 
against so formidable a power, cannot but inspire 
us with astonishment and gratitude. The dis- 
advantageous circumstances on our part, under 
which the war was undertaken, can never be 
forgotten. The signal interpositions of Pro- 
vidence, in our feeble condition, wrrc such as 
could scarcely escape the attention of the most 
unobserving : while th3 unparalleled perse- 



Memoirs of General Waslungion. 51 

verance ef the armies of the United States, 
through almost every possible suffering and dis- 
couragement, for the space of eight long years, 
was little short of a standing; miracle. 

K is not the meaning, nor within the compass 
of this address, to detail the hardships peculiarly 
incident to our service, or to describe the dis- 
tfessesj which, in several instances, have result- 
ed from the extremes of hunger and nakedness 
combined with the rigors of an inclement, season ; 
nor is it necessary to dwell on the dark side of 
our past affairs. Every American officer and 
soldier must now console himself for any .. un- 
pleasant circumstances which may have occured 
by the recollection of the uncommon scenes ia 
which he has been called to act no inglorious 
part, and the astonishing events of which he 
has been a witness ; events which have seldom, 
if ever before, taken place on the stage of hu- 
man action, nor can they probably ever happen 
again. For who has before seen a disiplined 
army formed at once from such raw materials ? 
Who that was not a witness, could imagine, that 
the most violent local prejudices would cease so 
soon, and that men who came from the differ- 
ent parts of the continent, strongly disposed, 
by the habits of education, to despise and quar- 
rel with each other, would instantly become but 
one patriotic band of brothers? Or who that was 
not on the spot, can trace the steps, by which 
such a wonderful revolution has been effected, 



52 Memoirs of General Washington. 

and such a glorious period put to all our warlike 
toils ? 

It is universally acknowledged that the en- 
larged prospects of happiness, opened by the 
confirmation of our independence and sover- 
eignty, almost exceed the power of description : 
and shall not the brave men who have contri- 
buted so essentially to these inestimable acqui- 
sitions, retiring victorious from the field of war 
to the field of agriculture, participate in all the 
blessings which have been obtained ? In such a 
republic, who will exclude them from the rights 
of citizens, and the fruits of their labors ? In 
such a country, so happily circumstanced, the 
pursuits of commerce and the cultivation of the 
soil will unfold to industry the certain road to 
competence. To those hardy soldiers, who 
are actuated by the spirit of adventure, the fish- 
eries will afford ample and profitable employ- 
ment ; and the extensive and fertile regions of 
the west will yield a most happy assyium to 
those, who, fond of domestic enjoyment, are 
seeking for personal independence. Nor is it 
possible to conceive that any of the United 
States will prefer a national bankruptcy, and a 
dissolution of the union, to a compliance with 
the requisition of Congress and the payment of 
its just debts — so that the officers and the sol- 
diers may expect considerable assistance, in re- 
commencing their civil occupation, from the 
sums due to them from the public, which must 
and will most inevitably be paid. 



Memoirs of General Washinglon, 5j5 

In order to effect this desirable purpose, and 
to remove the prejudices which may have tak- 
en possession of the minds of any of the good 
people of the states, it is earnestly recommend- 
ed to all the troops, that, with strong attach- 
ment to the union, they should carry with them 
into civil society the most conciliating diposi- 
tions ; and that they should prove themselves 
not less virtuous and useful as citizens, than 
they have been persevering and victorious as 
soldiers. What though there should be some 
envious individuals, who are unwilling to pay 
the debt the public has contracted, or to yield 
the tribute due to merit, yet let such unworthy 
treatment produce no invective, or any instance 
of intemperate conduct — let it be remembered, 
that the unbiassed voice of the free citizens of 
the United States has promised the just reward, 
and given the merited applause ; let it be known 
and remembered, that the reputation of the 
federal armies is established beyond the reach 
of malevolence ; and let a consciousness of 
their atchievments and fame still incite the men 
who composed them, to honorable actions, un- 
der the persuasion, that the virtues of economy, 
prudence, and industry, will not be less ami- 
able in civil life, than the more splendid 
qualities of valor, perseverence, and enterprise, 
were in the field. Every one may rest assur- 
ed, that much of the future happiness of the 
officers and men, will depend upon the wise 
£2 



54 Memoirs of General Washington, 

and manly conduct which shall he adopted by 
them, when they are mingled frith the great 
body of the community. And, although the 
General has so frequently given it as his opinion, 
in the most public and explicit manner, that 
unless the principles of the federal government 
were properly supported, and the powers of the 
Union increased, the honor, dignity, and justice 
of the nation would be lost for ever ; yet he 
c?nnot help repeating on this occasion so* inter- 
esting a sentiment, and leaving it as his last 
injunction to every officer and soldier, who 
may view the subject in the same serious point 
of light, to add his best endeavours, to those of 
his worthy fellow-citizens, towards effecting 
these great and valuable purposes, on which 
our very existence as a nation so materially de- 
pends. 

The Commander in Chief conceives little is 
£0w wanting to enable the soldier to change 
his military character into that of the citizen, 
but that steady and decent tenor of behaviour 
which has generally distinguished, not only (he 
army under his immediate command, but the 
different detatchments and separate armies, 
through the course of the war. From their 
good sense and prudence he anticipates the hap- 
piest consequences — and while he congratulates 
them on the glorious occasion which renders 
their services in the field no longer necessary, 
he wishes to express the strong cbligations he 



Memoirs of General Wasldnglon* 55 

feels himself under, for the assistance he has 
received from every class, and in every instance. 
He presents his thanks in the most serious and 
affectionate manner to the general officers, as 
well for their counsel on many interesting oc- 
casions, as for their ardor in promoting the suc- 
cess of the plans he had adopted ; to the com- 
mandants of regiments and corps, and to the 
other officers, for their great zeal and attention 
In carrying his orders promptly into execution ; 
to the staff, for their alacrity and exactness is 
performing the duties of their several depart- 
ments ; and to the non-commissioned officers 
&nd private soldiers, for their extraordinary pa- 
tience, in suffering as well as their invincible 
fortitude in action ; to the various branches of 
i he army, the General takes this last and solemn 
opportunity of professing his inviolable attach- 
ment and friendship. He wishes more than 
bare professions were in his power ; that lie was 
really able to be useful to them all in future 
life. He flatters himself, however, they will 
tio him the justice to believe, that whatever 
could with propriety be attempted by him, has 
been done. And being now to conclude these 
his last public orders, to take his ultimate leave 
»:i a short time, of the military character — and 
t » bid a final adieu to the armies he has so long 
} ad the honor to command — he can only again 
eucr, in their behaU", his recommendations to 
their grateful country, and his prayers to the 



56 Memoirs of General Washington* 

God of armies. May ample justice be done 
them here, and may the choisest of Heaven's 
favors, both here and hereafter, attend those 
who, under the Divine auspices, have secured 
innumerable blessings for others ! With these 
wishes, and this benediction, the Commander 
in Chief is about to retire from service. The 
curtain of separation will soon be drawn — and 
the military scene, to him, will be closed for 
ever. E. Hand adj. gen* 



To the preceding address the officers of that 
part of the army remaining on the banks of 
the Hudson, returned a suitable answer ; 
they thanked the Commander in Chief for 
the communication of his affectionate assur- 
ances of his inviolable attachment and friend- 
ship ; they assured his Excellency that although 
as yet his endeavours to ensure the armies the 
just reward of their services, had failed of suc- 
cess, they were convinced that it had arisen 
from causes which it was not in his power to 
sontroul, and should the contemplated measure 
never be attained, that their patriotism should 
still remain unshaken : They were happy in 
the opportunity of congratulating his Excel- 
lency on the certain conclusion of the Definitive 
Treaty of Feacc, assuring him that, relieved at 
last from long suspense, their warmest wish 



Memoirs of General Washington, 57 

was to return to the bosom of their country, to 
resume the character of citizens ; and that it 
should be their highest ambition to become use- 
ful ones. To his Excellency they were con- 
vinced that this great event must be peculialy 
pleasing ; because, while at the head of the 
armies, urged by patriotic virtues and magna- 
nimity, he persevered, under the pressure of 
every possible difficulty and discouragement, in 
Ibe pursuit, of the great objects of the war — the 
freedom and safety of his country ; — his heart 
panted for the tranquil enjoyments of peace. 
They concluded with sincere prayers to God, 
long to bestow happiness to their commander^ 
and that when he quits the stage of human life, 
he may receive from the unnering jutm*;, the 
rewards of valor exerted to save the oppressed, 
of patriotism, and disinterested virtue. 

On the 25th Nov. 1783, New- York was 
evacuated by the British army ; on the same 
day the American troops marched in and took 
possession of the city ; after which General 
Washington and the Governor made their pub- 
lic entry. 

Previous to General Washington's leaving 
New York, on the 6th of December, the prin- 
cipal officers of the army then in the city, as- 
sembled at Francis' tavern, to take a final 
leave of their illustrious and much-loved com- 
mander. The passions of human nature were 
sever more teaderly agitated than in tiiis inter- 



£8 Memoirs of General Washington. 

eating scene. His Excet'ency having filled t| 
glass of wine, thus addressed his brave fellows 
soldiers : — 

" Willi a heart full of love and gratitude, J j 
now take leave of you : J moat devoutly wish ' 
that your latter days may be prosperous and hap- 
py, as your former ones have been glorious ar,n 
honorable" 

These words produced extreme sensibility 
on both sides ; thev were answered bv warm 
expressions, and fervent wishes, from thei 
gentlemen of the army, whose truly pathetic 
feelings it is not in our power to convey to the 
reader 



General Washington's Address to Congress^ on 
the. Resignation of his Commission. 

" Mr President, 

" The great events, on which my resignation! 
depended, having at length taken place, I have 
now the honor of offering my sincere congratu- 
lations to Congress, and of presenting myself: 
before them, to surrender into their hands the i 
trust committed to me, and to claim the in- 
dulgence of retiring from the service of my 
country. 

" Happy in the confirmation of our independ- 
ence and sovereignty, and pleased with the op- 
jportuaity afforded the United States of becom- 



Memoirs of General Washington* 59 

ing a respectable nation — I resign, with satis- 
faction, the appointment I accepted with diffi- 
dence, a diffidence in my abilities to accom- 
plish so arduous a task, which, however, was 
superseded by a confidence in the rectitude of 
our cause, the support of the supreme power 
of the union, and the patronage of Heaven. 

" The successful termination of the war has 
verified the most sanguine expectations ; and 
my gratitude for the interposition of Provi- 
dence, and the assistance I have received from 
my countrymen, increases with every review 
of the momentous contest. 

" While I repeat my obligations to the army 
in general, I should do injustice to my own 
feelings not to acknowledge, in this place, the 
peculiar services and distinguished merits of 
the gentlemen who have been attached to my 
person during the war. It was impossible the 
choice of confidential officers to compose my 
family should be more fortunate ; permit me, 
sir, to recommend in particular those who have 
continued in the service to the present moment, 
as worthy the favorable notice and patronage of 
Congress. 

" I consider it as an indispensable 6uty to 
close this last solemn act of my official life, by 
commending the interests of our dearest coun- 
try to the protection of Almighty God, and 
those who have the superinteiidauce of them 
to his holy keeping. 



00 Memoirs of General Washington. 

" Having now finished the work assigned 
me, I retire from the great theatre of action ; 
and bidding an affectionate farewell to this 
august body, under whose orders I have so long 
acted, I here offer my commission, and take 
my leave of all the employments of public 
life. 

G. WASHINGTON." 

City of Annapolis, Bee. 23, 1785. 



With these becoming sentiments, General 
Washington retired from the toils of war to 
enjoy in private the rural pleasures of Mount 
Vernon, carrying with him the thanks and bles- 
sings of a grateful people, emulating the exam- 
ple of the virtuous Roman Genera!,* who vic- 
torious, left the tended field, covered with hon- 
or, and withdrew from public life. 

No person, who had not the advantage of: 
being present when he received the intelligence 
of peace, and who did not accompany him to 
his domestic retirement, can describe the relief 
which that joyful event brought to his laboring: 
mind, or the supreme satisfaction with which 
he withdrew to private life. From his tri- 
umphal entry into New York, upon the evac- 
nation of that city by the British army, to 

* Cincinatus. 



Memoirs of General Washington. 61 



-i 



Siis arrival at Mount Vernon, after the resigna- 
tion of his commission to Congress, festive 
crowds impeded his passage through ail the 
populous towns ; the devotion of a whole peo- 
ple pursued him, with prayers to Heaven for 
blessings on his head, while their gratitude 
sought the most expressive language in mani- 
festing itself to him, as their common father 
and benefactor. When he became a private 
citizen he had the unusual felicity to find that 
his native state was among the most zealous in 
doing justice to his merits ; and that stronger 
demonstrations of affectionate esteem (if pos- 
sible) were given by the citizens of his neigh- 
borhood, than by any other description of men 
on the continent. As he always refused to ac- 
cept any pecuniary compensation for his pub- 
lic services, or provision for the augmented ex- 
penses which he must have incured in conse- 
quence of his public employment, no salary 
was ever annexed by Congress to his impor- 
tant command, and he only drew weekly for 
the expenses of his public table and ether ne- 
cessary demands, although proposals have 
been made in the most delicate manner particu- 
larly by the state of Virginia and Pennsylvania. 
His conduct in this particular is noble and mag- 
nanimous, and exhibits to the world an unde- 
niable evidence of self-disinterestedness, of the 
purity of his motives, and integrity of his heart. 
His answer to the Governor of Virginiaj declining 

F 



£2 Memoirs of General Washington. 

the acceptance of a present from that state, is 
so characteristic of his whole public conduct, 
that we are induced to give it in his own words, 
and we are convinced it will prove acceptable 
to his admirers. 



LETTER, 

From his Excellency General Washington, to 
the Governor of Virginia, declining the ac- 
ceptance of fifty stiares in the companies for 
opening the navigation of James and Potomac 
Rivers, which had been vested in him by an act 
of the, legislature of that commonwealth, as a 
small acknowledgement of his merits and ser- 
vices. 

" Ycur Excellency having been pleased to 
transmit to me a copy of the act appropriating 
to my benefit, certain shares in the companies 
far opening the navigation of James and Poto- 
mac rivers, I take the liberty of returning to 
the assembly, through your hands, the profound I 
and grateful acknowledgments, inspired by so i 
signal a mark of their beneficent intentions 
towards me. I beg you, sir, to assure them, 
that I am filled on this occasion with every 
sentiment which can flow from a heart warm 
with love for my country — sensible to every 



Memoirs of General Washington. 63 

token of its approbation and affection, and so- 
licitous to testify, in every instance, a respect- 
ful submission to its wishes. With these senti- 
ments in my bosom, I need not dwell on the? 
anxiety I feel, in being obliged in this instance 
to decline a favor, which is rendered no less 
flattering by the manner in which it is conveyed, 
than it is affectionate in itself. In explaining 
this obligation, I pass over a comparison of my 
endeavors in the public service, with the many 
honorable testimonies of approbation which 
have already so far over-rated and over-paid 
them — reciting one consideration only, which 
supersedes the necessity of recurring to every 
other. When I was first called to the station 
with which I was honored during the late con- 
flict for our liberties ; to the diffidence which I 
had so many reasons to feel in accepting it, I 
thought it my duty to join a firm resolution to 
shut my hand against every pecuniary recom- 
pense. To this resolution I have inviolably ad- 
hered ; and from this resolution (if I had the 
inclination) I do not consider myself at 
liberty to depart Whilst I repeat, therefore my 
fervent acknowledgments to the legislature for 
their very kind sentiments and intentions in my 
favor, and at the same time beg them to be 
persuaded that a remembrance of this singular 
proof of goodness towards me, will never cease 
to cherish returns of the warmest affection and 
gratitude ; I must pray that their act, so far a% 



6& Memoirs of General Washington, 

it has for its object my personal emolument; 
may not have its effect. But if it should please 
the general assembly to permit me to turn the 
destination of the fund vested in me, from my 
private emolument to objects of a public nature, 
it will be my study in selecting these, to prove 
the sincerity of my gratitude, by prefering such 
as may appear most subservient to the enlightr 
ened and patriotic views of the legislature. 

I am, &.C. 
GEORGE WASHINGTON.'* 

Although the enlightened mind of General 
Washington felt superior to such considerations, 
and nobly refused any recompense for himself 
yet he eloquently, though unsuccessfully plead- 
ed the cause of his fellow-soldiers, and other 
public creditors. He considered himself as 
pledged to the army that their country would do 
them ample justice in rewarding them for their 
glorious services, exercised in its defence, and 
finally crowned by the complete establishment 
of its liberty and independence. 

General Washington, having retired from all 
public employment, now assumed the character 
of a private gentleman ; he employed himself 
in improving his farms and plantations, and in 
cultivating the ai ts of peace. But in this retreat 
of happiness and rural simplicity he was not suf- 
fered long to remain ; it was too soon for the 
H\x1Mr of America to leave his infant care, ha© 



Memoirs of General Washington* 6S 

well tried virtues were generally and justly 
known to his fellow-citizens, and their confi- 
dence in his judgment, experience, and disinter- 
ested patriotism, was universal even to enthusi- 
asm. Four years had not expired from the pe° 
riod at which he resigned his military command, 
when the voice of his country again called him 
to its service — in the year 1787, he was elected 
a delegate to the federal convention which met 
at Philadelphia to form the new constitution, and 
was chosen President thereof. General Wash- 
ington, after the adoption of the federal consti- 
tution, was, on the 6th of April, 1789, una- 
nimously elected President of the United States 
— whereupon the citizens testified with becom- 
ing joy, their confidence and approbation at his 
appointment to the office of Chief Magistrate, 
and innumerable addresses reiterated his praise, 
from every part of the union 

His triumphal entry into Philadelphia on his 
way to New- York, the seat of government, to as- 
sume the duties of his important office, merits a 
minute description — Early on the morning of the 
20th of April, his Excellency T. Mifflin, Esq. 
Governor of the state, the Hon. Richard Peters, 
Esq. speaker of the legislature of the state, the 
oidcity troop of horse, and another troop from 
the city, commanded by captain Bingham, wait- 
ed the arrival of their beloved Washington, at 
the line between the states of Pennsylvania and 
Delaware, to which place they had procecc^ 
fbe evening before. 



68 Memoirs of General Washington, 

After paying the tribute of military honor due 
to his rank and exalted character, by proper 
salutes, and otherwise, they escorted him into 
Chester, where they breakfasted, and rested a 
couple of hours. 

This great and worthy man, finding he could 
not possibly elude the parade which necessarily 
must attend manifestations of joy and affection, 
when displayed by a grateful people, to their 
patriot benefactor, ordered his carriages into the 
rear of the whole line and mounted an elegant 
horse, accompanied by the venerable patriot, 
Charles Thomson, Esq. and his former aid-de- 
camp, the celebrated Colonel Humphreys, both 
of whom were also mounted on horseback. 

On their way to the eity, they were joined by 
detachments from the Chester and Philadelphia 
troops of horse, and also by a number of res- 
pectable citizens, at whose head was the wor- 
thy citizen and soldier, his Excellency Arthur 
St. Clair, Esq. Governor of the Western Territory. 
Thus they proceeded to Gray's Ferry, on the 
Schuylkill; observing the strictest order and 
regularity, during the march. But here such 
a scene presented itself, that even the pencil of 
a Raphael could not delineate. 

The bridge was highly decorated with laurel 
and other evergreens, by Mr. Gray, the ingen- 
ious Mr. Peale, aud others, and in such a style 
as to display uncommon taste in these gentle- 
men. At c^ch end there were erected magni- 



Memoirs of General Washington, 67 

ficent arches composed of laurel, emblematical 
of the ancient triumphal arches, used by the 
Romans, and on each side of the bridge a laurel 
shrubbery, which seemed to challange even na- 
ture herself for simplicity, ease, and elegance ; 
and as our beloved Washington passed the 
bridge, a lad beautifully ornamented with sprigs 
of laurel, assisted by certain machinery, let 
drop above the Hero's head, unperceived by 
him, a civic crown of laurel. 

But who can describe the heart-felt congrat- 
illations of more than Twenty Thousand free 
citizens, who lined every fence, field, and 
avenue, between the bridge and the city. The 
aged sire, the venerable n;atren, the blooming 
virgin, and the ruddy youth, were all emulous 
in their plaudits — nay, the lisping infant did not 
withhold its innocent smile of praise and appro- 
bation. 

In short, all classes and discriptions of citi- 
zens discovered (and they felt what they disco- 
vered,) the warmest attachment and unbounded 
zeal for their dear Chief, and I may add, under 
God, the Saviour of their country. Not all the 
pomp of majesty, nor even imperial dignity it- 
self, surrounded with its usual splendor and 
magnificence, could equal this interesting scene, 



63 Memoirs of General Washington, 

INAUGURAL ADDRESS, 

Of the President of the United Stales, to both 
Houses of Congress. 

" Gentlemen, 

"Among the vicisitudes incident to life, no 
event could have filled me with greater anxie- 
ties, than that, of which the notification was 
transmitted by your order, and received the 1 
14th inst ; on the one hand, I was summoned 1 
by my country, whose voice I can never hear 
but with veneration and love, from a retreat 
which I had chosen with the fondest predic- 
tions, and, in m\ flattering hopes, with an im- 
mutable decision, as the assy him of my declin- 
ing years : a retreat which was rendered every 
day more necessary, as well as more dear to 
me, by the addition of habit to inclination, and 
of frequent interruptions in health, to the gra- 
dual waste committed on it hy time. On the 
other hand, the magnitude and difficulty of Use 
trust, to which the voice of my country called 
me, being sufficient to awaken in the wisest 
and most experienced of her citizens, a dis- 
trustful scrutiny into his qualifications, could 
not but overwhelm with despondence, one, whoy 
inheriting inferior endowments from nature, and 
unpractised in the duties of civil administration, 
ought to be peculiarly conscious of his own de- 
ficiences. In this conflict of emotions., all I. 



Memoirs of General Wasidnglon. 6.9' 

dare aver, is, that it has been my faithful study 
to collect my duty from a just appreciation of 
every circumstance, by which it might be af- 
fected. All I dare hope, is that if, in executing 
this task, I have been too much swayed by a 
grateful remembrance of former instances, or 
by an affectionate sensibility to this transcend- 
ant proof of the confidence of my fellow-citi- 
E ens — and have thence too little consulted my 
incapacity as well as disinclination for the 
weighty and untried cares before me— my error 
will be paliated by the motives which mislead 
me, and its consequences be judged by my 
country, with some share of the partiality in 
which they originated. 

" Such being the impressions under which I 
iiave, in obedience to the public summons, re- 
paired to the present station— it would be pe- 
culiarly improper to omit in the first official act, 
my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being 
who rules over the universe, who presides in 
the councils of nations, and whose providen- 
tial aids can supply every human defect — that 
his benediction may consecrate to the liberties 
and happiness of the people of the United 
States, a government instituted by themselves, 
for these essential purposes : and may enable 
every instrument employed in its administra- 
tion, to execute with success the functions al- 
lotted to his charge. In tendering this homage 
to the great Author of every public and private 



Memoirs of General Washington. 



good, I assure myself that it expresses youp 
sentiments not less than my cmn, nor those of 
my fellow-citizens at large, less than either. — 
No people can be bound to acknowledge and 
adore the invisible hand which conducts the af- 
fairs ai men, more than the people of the Unit- 
ed States. Every step by which they have ad- 
vanced to the character of an independent na- 
tion, seems to have been distinguished by some 
tokens of Providential agency. And in the im- 
portant revolution just accomplished in the sys- 
tem of their united government, the tranquil 
deliberations and voluntary consent of so many 
distinct communities, from which the event has 
resulted, cannot be compared with the means 
hy which most governments have been esta- 
blished, without some return of pious gratitude, 
along with an humble anticipation of the future 
blessings which the past seem to presage. These 
reflections, arising out of the present crisis, 
have forced themselves too strongly on my 
mind to be suppressed. You will join me, I 
trust, in thinking, that there are none under the 
influence of which the proceeding of a new 
and free government can more auspiciously com- 
mence. 

" By the article establishing the executive de- 
partment it is made the duty of the President 
* to recommend to your consideration such 
measures as he shall judge necessary and expe- 
dient.' The circumstances under which I now 



Rlemofrs of General Washington. 71 

tneet you, will acquit me from entering into that 
subject, further than to refer to the great con- 
stitutional charter under which you are now 
assembled; and which in defining your powers, 
designates the objects to which your attention 
is to be given. It will be more consistent whh 
those circumstances, and far more congenial 
with the feelings which actuate me, to substi- 
tute in place of a recommendation of particular 
measures, the tribute that is due to the talents, 
the rectitude, and the patriotism which adorn 
the characters selected to devise and adopt them. 
In these qualifications, I behold the surest 
pledges, that as. on one side, no local prejudices 
or attachments — no separate views — nor party 
animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive 
and equal eye which ought to watch over this 
great assemblage of communities and interests ; 
so on another, that the foundations of our na- 
tional policy will be laid in the pure and immut- 
able principles of private morality ; and the 
pre-eminence of free government, be exempli- 
fied by all the attributes which can win the Ejec- 
tions of its citizens, and command the respect 
of the world. I dwell or this prospect \*ith 
every satisfaction which an ardent love for my 
country can inspire ; since there is no truth more 
thoroughly established, than that there exists in 
the economy and course of nature, an indisso- 
luble union between virtue and happiness, be- 
tween duty and advantage, between the genuine 



fS* titemofrs of General Washington,- 

maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy,, 
ami the solid rewards of public prosperity amli 
felicity : since we ought to be no iess persuaded I 
that the propitious smiles of heaven can never 
be expected on a nation that disregards the eter- 
nal rules of order and right, which heaven itself; 
hath ordained ; and since the preservation of i 
the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the 
Republican model of Government, are justly 
considered as deeply, perhaps as finally slaked, 
on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the 
American people. 
4 " Besides the ordinary object submitted 
to your care, it will remain with your judg- 
ment to decide how far an exercise of the occa- 
sional power delegated by the fifth article of the 
Constitution is rendered expedient at the present 
juncture, by the nature of objections which 
have been urged against the system, or by the 
degree of inquietude which has given birth to> 
them. Instead of underlaking particular re- 
commendations on this subject, in which I could ' 
be guided by no lights derived from official i 
opportunities, I shall again give way to my en- 
tire confidence in your discernment and pursuit t 
of the public good : for I assure myself thatf 
whilst you carefully avoid every altercation 
which might endanger the benefits of an united 
and effective government, or which ought to 
await the future lessons of experience ; a rev- 
ci'cucc for the characteristic rights of freemen, 



Memoirs of General Washington. 73 

&m\ a regard for (he public harmony, will suffi- 
ciently influence your deliberations on the ques- 
tion, how far the former can be more impregnably 
fortified, or the latter be sat'eiy and advantageous- 
ly promoted. 

" To the preceding observations, I have one 
to add, which will be most properly addressed 
to the House of Representatives, It concerns 
myself, and therefore will be as brief as possi- 
ble. When I was first honored with a call in- 
to the service of my country, then on the eve 
of an arduous struggle for its liberties, the light 
in which I contemplated my duty required that 
I should renounce every pecuniary compensa- 
tion. From this resolution I have in no instance 
departed. And being still under the impressions 
which produced it, 1 must decline, as inapplica- 
ble to myself, any share in the personal emolu- 
ments which may be indispensably included in 
a permanent provision for the executive depart- 
ment ; and must accordingly pray that the pe- 
cuniary estimates tor the station in which I am 
placed, may, during my continuance in it, be 
limited to such actual expenditures as the public 
good may be thought to require. 

" Having thus imparted to you my sentiments, 
as they have been awakened by the occasion 
which brings us together, I shall take my pres- 
ent leave ; but not without resorting once more 
to the Benign Parent of rhe human race, in hum- 
ble supplication, that scince he has been plens- 

G 



74 Memoirs of General Washington. 

ed to favor the American people, with oppor- 
tunities for deliberating in perfect tranquility, and 
dispositions for deciding- with unparalleled una- 
nimity on a form of government, for the security 
of their union, and the advancement of their hap- 
piness ; so his divine blessing may be equally 
conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temper- 
ate consultations, and the wise measures on 
which the success of this goverment must de- 
pend. 

G. WASHINGTON." 



. The first session of congress, under the 
new constitution, continued their sittings from 
the 4th of March until the 29th of September. 
Their attention was chiefly directed towards 
the establishment of various regulations for the 
restoration of the public credit of the United 
States, and other objects of political economy. 
Burin<r the Deriod of the session, the President 
resided at New- York, sanctioning the proceed- 
ings of the legislature, and otherwise organiz- 
ing the federal government. Shortly after the 
rising of Congress, he made a tour to the 
States of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and N. 
Hampshire, attended by Messrs. Lear and Jack- 
son, his secretaries. In every part of the 



Memoirs qf General Washington, to 

country through which he passed, the citizens 
embraced the opportunity of personally testify- 
ing their esteem and respect of the mm of 
their choice, in whose character, whatever is 
great and good — whatever dignifies and adorns* 
human nature, are so happily united. All that 
a grateful people could pay was paid ; when- 
ever he approached a town or village, tiie roads 
were lined with citizens to hail him welcome — 
the military escorted him from place to place. 
Particularly to relate all the grateful testimonials 
which were paid him during the visit, is impos- 
sible from their number. If our limits would 
permit, a description of the manner in which 
he was received at Boston would be particular- 
ly interesting; nor can we specify the nume- 
rous congratulatory addresses which were pre- 
sented him. But no particular circumstance 
gave him more pleasure, during the whole 
tour, than the plain and hearty manner in which 
Mr. Ncrthey, the chairman of the selectmen 
at Salem received him. This gentleman is of 
the society of Friends, and when the President 
was presented to the selectmen, Mr. Northey 
being covered, took him by the hand and said, 
" Friend Washington, we are glad to see thee, 
and in behalf of the inhabitants, bid the a 
heartv welcome to Salem." 

On his arrival at Newbury port, the following 
incident occured, a poor old soldier named 
Cotton who was with him in the memorable 



76 Memoirs of General Washington. 

battle on the Ohio, when Braddock was defeat^ 
en, requested, and was admitted info the room 
where the President was — on the soldier's ask- 
ing li how Major Washington did ?" the Presi- 
dent immediately recollected his person, and 
rising from his chair, took him by the hand, 
ami tenderly inquired into the scenes of his life, 
and present circumstances. " I thank God,'' 
answered the soldier, " that I have an oppor- 
tunity of seeing my old commander once more. 
I have seen him in adversity, and now seems; 
him in 'glory, I can i^o home and die content- 
ed. The next.morning, he came again to take 
leave of the President, who gave him a guinea, 
which he accepted, he said, " merely as a to- 
ken in remembrance of his commander," and 
which he wore pendent on his bosom, declar- 
ing that nothing earthly should separate it from 

him. 

While General Washington was President of 
the United States, the following circumstance, 
which does honor to his humanity, occurcd. 
One Reuben Rouzy, of Virginia, owed him 
about a thousand pounds ; one of the Presi- 
dent's agents brought a suit for the money, 
judgement was obtained, and execution issued 
against the body of the defendant, who was 
taken to goal. He had a considerable landed 
property, but this kind of property, cannot be 
sold in Virginia for debts, unless at the discre- 
tion of the debtor. He had a large family, and 



Memoirs of General Washington, 7T 

preferred lying in goal to selling his land, for the 
sake of his children. — Some of his acquaint- 
ance hinted to him, that probably General 
Washington did not know any tiling of the 
proceedings, and it might be well to send him 
a petition, with a statement of the circumstan- 
ces. He did so, and the very next post from 
Philadelphia, after his petition arrived, brought 
him a releasement, with a severe reprimand on 
the agent for acting in such a cruel manner, 
without consent Poor Rouzy was, in conse- 
quence, restored to his family and happiness, 
who never laid down their heads at nisht, with- 
out offering their praj'ers to Heaven for cur 
much beloved Washington. 

In 1791, the attention of the Executive was 
engaged in devising modes to reconcile the 
citizens, in some districts of the union, to the 
law, enacted for the purpose of collecting a 
certain duty ©n spirits, distilled within the Unit- 
ed States; in some of the states, particularly 
the western parts of Pennsylvania, where a 
regular and formidable opposition began to mani- 
fest itself, in consequence of which, the special 
interposition of the President was deemed ad- 
visable. He issued a proclamation recom- 
mending a compliance with the laws, and warn- 
ing the citizens against all unlawful proceedings 
and combinations, having a tendency to ob- 
struct the same. 

The second Congress met again in Novem- 
ber, 1782. The President opened the session 
& % 



7S Memoirs of General Washington 

with a speech, the greatest part of which res- 
pected the unfortunate endeavors to terminate 
the Indian hostilities. He informed Congress 
of the opposition which had been manifested 
to the excise law, and recommended a revision 
of the judiciary system. He further, observed 
that three loans had been negotiated for the use 
of the United States, one at Antwerp, and two 
at Amsterdam, each for three millions of flo- 
rins, on very reasonable terms, which afforded 
a pleasing evidence of the increasing credit of 
the new Government. On the 2d of March, 
1793, this session adjoined. 

On the 8th of April, 1793, citizen Genet ar- 
rived at Charleston, as minister plenipotentiary 
from the executive of France to the President 
of the United States. On the 22d of the same 
month the President issued a proclamation, en- 
joining the citizens' of the United States to a 
strict neutrality, in the contest between the 
maritime powers, and threatening prosecution 
to all who should infringe the same. The pub- 
lic approbation of this wise measure, for the 
preservation of the public tranquility, was man- 
ifested in numerous addresses to the President 
thanking him in warm terms for his attention to 
the interest of the citizens. Genet arrived in 
Philadelphia, the seat of government, on the 
17 th of May. The conduct of this minister is 
perhaps, unexampled in diplomatic history. It 
was not until the publication of the prodara*- 



Memoirs of General Washington. 79 

iion of the President, enjoining neutrality, that 
the government first heard of his arrival, and 
even then, they were only informed through 
the medium of the newspapers, about a fort- 
night after his arrival ; instead of presenting his 
credentials to the President, he began to assume 
a conduct imprudent and unbecoming ; he un- 
dertook to authorise the fitting out of armed 
vessels, he enlisted citizens and others, and 
gave commission to cruise and comm > hostili- 
ties against the vessels of England and other 
nations at war with France, who were, at 
the same time, at peace with the United Slates. 
These vessels had actually taken prizes, brought 
them into American ports, where the consuls of 
France held courts of admiralty, tried, con- 
demned, and authorised their sale as legal priz- 
es. These proceedings, in opposition to the 
peace of the United States, were instantly com- 
plained of by Mr. Hammond, the British min* 
ister ; thus were the seeds of future controver- 
sy planted. The government of the United 
States interfered, and, in some cases, over- 
ruled the proceedings of both the British and 
French, as illegal ; remonstrances were exhi- 
bited to the President, from both sides, which 
created a series of diplomatic correspondence. 
A new source of discontent, on the part of the 
French now arose ; Genet demanded, with 
some abruptness, money from the treasury of 
the United States, in part payment of their 



80 Memoirs of General Washington. 

debt to France, with which the American gov- 
ernment found it inconvenient to comply. This 
state of diplomatic hostility could not be ex- 
pected to hold out long without coming to a- 
crisis. Accordingly, on the 16th of August, 
the President ordered Mr* Jefferson, the secre- 
tary of state, to address a letter to Mr. Morris, 
the American ambassador in France, soliciting: 
the republic to recall their minister. In the 
mean t>fie Citizen Duplaine, Vice consul for: 
the republic of France, in the port of Boston, 
having committed sundry encroachments on 
the laws of the United States, the President in 
consequence thereof, suspended his powers. 

The term for which General Washington was 
elected President having expired, he was again 
re-elected to the same office. 

In 1794, during the recess of congress, the at- 
tention of the President of the United States 
was called to suppress an insurrection, which 
began to assume a very formidable aspect. It 
was confined to the western parts of the state 
of Pennsylvania. The outlines of it are as fol- 
lows, viz. During the year 17 90, the Congress 
of the United States found it necessary " to lay) 
and collect excises." This mode of taxation,] 
discordant to the genius of the citizens, in man 
ny parts of the union, met with considerable 
opposition, which, however, was gradually 
banished by reason and patriotism, excepting 
in the four western counties of Pennsylvania 



Memoirs of General Washington. Si 

where a prejudice still remained, and produced 
^symptoms of riot and violence. The disaffec- 
tion was at first vented in general complaints ; 
certain associations were formed to prevent the 
operation of the laws, and the excise officers re- 
ceived some marks of contempt and rudeness. 
These associations held public meetings, and pub- 
lished their resolutions. Besides the excise law, 
they censured several other acts of the federal go- 
vernment ; as the exhorbitant salaries of office; 
the institution of a national bank; the interest 
of the public debt, &:e. 

On the 6th of September, 1794, the collec- 
tor of the revenue for that district was seized 
by a party, armed, and in disguise ; they tar- 
red and feathered him, cut off his hair, and 
committed other acts of violer-ice ; legal pro- 
cess was therefore issued against the offenders, 
but the insurgents prevented the marshal from* 
serving them ; they fired upon him, arrested, 
and, for some time, detained him as a prison- 
er : a number of similar outrages were com- 
mitted. The President, the ever watchful 
guardian of the constitution, beheld with sor- 
row, these excesses ; he sought and weighed what 
was best to be done in this momentous crisis; 
he beheld the judiciary shipped of its capacity 
to enforce the laws, and crimes, which reach- 
ed to the very existence of social order, perpe- 
trated without controul ; the friends of govern* 



33 Memoirs of General Washington. 

ment insulted, and that constitution violated, , 
which he had made a sacred vow to protect ; ; 
he beheld with abhorrence the idea of " array- 
ing citizen against citizen," untill every lenient : 
measure should be exhausted. He issued procla- 
mations, exhorting the rioters to desist from such i 
disorderly proceedings, he recommended obedi- 
ence to the laws, he appointed commissioners to i 
repair to the scene of insurrection authorizing: 
them to confer with the insurgents, to state to > 
them his sensations, to assure them that it was 
his earnest wish to avoid a resort to coertion ; he 
even offered them pardon, on condition of receiv- 
ing satisfactory assurance of obedience to the 
laws. 

These lenient measures did not produce the 
£Ood effects that should have been expected. 
The President therefore deemed it prudent to 
resort to military force. — Fifteen thousand mi- 
litia were put in motion : their number intimi- 
dated the insurgents ; thus the insurrection was 
quelled without the effusion of blood ; some of 
the ringleaders were apprehended and brought 
to trial ; one of them was found guilty of high 
treason and condemned to suffer, nut was par- 
doned by the President. — Indeed, the same 
goodness of disposition actuated the President, 
from the beginning to the termination of this 
licentious invasion of the laws, notwithstanding 
there are in the United States, cetain discontent- 
ed, invidious individuals, who wish to stigma- 
tize every act -of the Executive with opprobrium. 



Memoirs of General Washington. 83 

In November, 1794, the third Congress held 
their second session at Philadelphia. The Pres- 
ident, began his speech with a history of the 
opposition which had been manifested to the 
constitution and laws of the United States, and 
of the means which he had pursued to suppress 
it ; the alacrity which the militia, and others 
who volunteered their service, displayed, exib- 
ited, he said, " to the highest advantage, the 
value of republican government ; to behold the 
most and least wealthy of our citizens, standing 
in the same ranks as private soldiers, pre em- 
inently distingnished by being the army of the 
constitution ; undeterred by a march of three 
hundred miles, over rugged mountains, by the 
approach of an inclement season, or by any 
other discouragement." He recommended to 
congress to reimburse the officers of government 
and other citizens, who had sustained losses, 
for their generous exertions for upholding the 
constitution and laws. " The amount" he said 
" would not be great, and on future emergencies, 
the government would be amply repaid by the in- 
fluence of an example, that he who incurs a loss 
in its defence, shall find a recompence in its 
liberality." The intelligence from the army of 
general Wayne, acting against the hostile In- 
dians N. W. of the Ohio, he said, afforded a 
happy presage to the military operations ; that 
they had damped the ardour and obstnacy of 
the savages— Yet although the power of the 



8 * Memoirs of General Washington* 

United States to punish them could not be ques- 
tioned, that he was not unwilling to jementa: 
lasting peace, upon terms of equity and good I 
neighborhood; he recommended the adoption i 
of a definitive plan for the redemption of the 
public debt, and in subsequent communications 
be transmited to them, certain papers relative 1 
to the intercourse of the United States with) 
foreign nations; they announced to Congress ; 
and to the world, his unremitting exertions to 
cultivate peace with all the world, to observe 
treaties with good faith, to check deviations 
from the line of impartiality, and to explain and 
correct what was misapprehended, or appeared 
injurious. 

Ever since the formal ratification of the trea- 
ties of peace between the United States and 
Great-Britain, numerous causes of complaint 
have existed on the part of both countries res- 
pecting its fulfilment. The history of the na- 
ture, progress, and final determination of these 
disputes, will form a very interesting part in 
the history of the political and diplomatic char- 
acter of President Washington ; but the bounds 
which we have assigned to the present sketch, 
prevent us from entering fully upon the subject: 
The ground of complaint on both sides, was dis 
putcd in 1792, in a correspondence betweer 
Mr. Jefferson, secretary of state, and Mr 
Hammond, Vaq envoy of* Britain. In their let 
kr?, the reciprocal complaints are yfated will 



Memoirs of General Washington. &§ 

candor, perspicuity, and complet less ; to sup- 
port their respective arguments, they bring for- 
ward on each side, a large body of illustrations 
and authorities whicii are highly interesting. 
This correspondence was published by Con- 
gress, in 1794. The arguments of Mr. Jeffer- 
son appeared to have contained unanswerable 
weight, as no reply or explanation was ever 
made to them, although requested by him. 
Affairs remained in this state of suspense until 
June, 1793, when the British, in consequence 
of their hostilities with France, issued orders 
to the commanders of their vessels, to stop all 
neutral vessels carrying provisions to any port 
in that republic ; ships attempting to enter any 
French port, blockaded by the English, were to 
be condemned, both vessel and cargo, whatev- 
er it may consist of: the order contained a 
limited exception in favor of Denmark and 
Sweden, but in the execution of it, the rights 
of America were entirely disregarded. This 
matter produced a diplomatic discussion be- 
tween the ministers of the two countries, both 
at London and Philadelphia : Their correspon- 
dence produced a mutual wish on both sides to 
establish a treaty of commerce, and a friendly 
adjustment of all complaints. The President 
of the United States, accordingly nominated 
Mr. John Jay, chief judge of the United States, 
as an envoy extraordinary to the court of Lon- 
don. After a short passage Mr. Jay arrived in 

H 



$G Memoirs of General Washington* 

London, where he met with a polite reception, 
and negotiated the Treaty of Peace, Commerce, 
and Navigation which at present exists between 
the two countries. 

The Treaty arrived in Philadelphia in March 
1795 ; it was shortly after submitted to the Sen- 
ate for their consent ; they returned it to the 
President on the 24th of June, and advised the 
constitutional ratification thereof. About the 
30th of the same month, it was submitted to 
the public through the medium of the newspa- 
pers. It now became the general topic of con- 
versation ; it was placed in all the different 
points of view of which it was susceptible, and 
in many of which it could not admit. 

It met with great opposition. Addresses and 
resolutions were received from all the commer- 
cial towns of the union ; some advising its rati- 
fication, others disapproving of it in toto. This 
opposition was viewed by the President in a 
very serious light ; he considered the subject 
and weighed all the arguments which had been 
advanced against it ; his own opinion was not 
in favor of it, but he did not wish to differ 
from the Senate, and thought that it would be 
better to ratify it in the manner they had advis- 
ed ; to this measure he was also induced, as 
Mr. Jay had asserted " that no better terms 
could possibly be obtained ; that the obstinacy 
in rejecting the settlement might be serious." 
The President therefore assented, and ratiiiea- 



Memoirs of General Washinglon. 87 

tioas were exchanged, with the suspension of 
the most objectionable article. 

The firet session of the fourth Congress met 
at Philadelphia, in December, 1795. The 
President in a speech informed them that ne- 
gotiations were on foot for the adjustment of 
affairs with the hostile Indians, and also with 
the Dey and Regency of Algiers ; that he had 
received assurances of a speedy and satistac- 
tory couclusion of the negotiations with Spain ; 
that with the advice of the Senate he had rati- 
fied a treaty with Britain, upon a condition 
which excepts part of one article. He recom- 
mended a review of the military establishment, 
and to make provision for garrisoning and se- 
curing the western posts which were to be de- 
livered up by the British. He informed them 
that a state of the finance and appropriations 
necessary for the ensuing year would be laid 
before them; as also statements relative to the 
mint, progress in providing materials for build- 
ing frigates, state of fortifications, and military 
magazines, &c. He concluded with a recom- 
mendation of temperate discussion and mutual 
forbearance in subjects where a difference of 
opinion may be apt to arise. 

A warm and protracted discussion took place in 
the House of Representatives relative to the Brit- 
ish treaty. Both sides of the question were ably 
supported ; few subjects had ever come before 
the house, upon which so many members deliv- 



S3 Memoirs of General Washington. 

jerr d their sentiment?. On the 24th of March 
1796, they came to a resolution, requesting the 
President to lay before the House, a copy of 
the instructions to Mr. Jay, together with his 
correspondence and other documents relative lo 
that treaty. To which request the President 
gave a positive refusal ; he assured the House, 
that he had always endeavored to harmonise 
with the other branches of the government, and 
that he had never withheld any information 
which the constitution enjoined him to give. 
But that the nature of foreign negotiations re- 
quired caution and secrecy ; that all the papers 
relative thereto had been laid before the Senate ; 
that the constitution empowered him to make 
treaties with the consent of that body ; but that 
it would establish a dangerous precedent to ad- 
mit a right in the House of Representatives to 
demand and have all papers respectinc: negotia- 
tions with foreign pow r ers, after the trea lies were 
finally concluded and ratified, and the assent of 
that house not necessary to their valid ty. 

We deem it unnecessary to enter into a his- 
tory of the differences with the republic of 
France, as mey ace not 3 r et terminated, and are 
so recent as to be generally remembered ; suffice 
it to observe, that during the whole period in 
which General Washington sat at the helm of 
public affairs, his whole conduct has uniformly 
exhibited moderation and prudence, magna- 
£imit} r and firmness, wisdom and virtue. 



Memoirs of General Washington. 8$ 

■ 

The period of General Washington's second 
election to the office of Chief Magistrate being 
nearly expired, he put on a determined resolu- 
tion to retire from the public, and enjoy his de- 
clining years in private life. Upon this momen- 
tous occasion, resigning a charge which he at 
first accepted through his enthusiasm for the 
principles of rational liberty, he was impressed 
with the purest wishes for the future happiness 
of that republic, to which he had devoted the ear- 
ly, the mature, and a portion of his declining 
years to establish. His determination was an- 
nounced in an address to the people of the Uni 
ted States replete with political wisdom and pa** 
ternal solicitude. It was received in every part 
of the Union with unbounded veneration, and 
regarded as an invaluable gift from the father 
cf his country. As it has since been published 
in every form, and circulated in almost every 
family, it becomes unnecessary to recite it here. 



Or* the 7th of December, 1796, President 
Washington delivered his last speech to the re- 
presentatives of the people at the opening of the 
second session of the !• urth Congress. In this 
address he communicates information respect- 
jag the measures taken for carrying into effect 
treaties with the Indian nations, Great-Britain, 
Spain, and Algiers, lie likewise informs, that 



&0 Memoirs of General Washington. 

measures are in operation fer effecting treaties 
with the Regencies of Tunis and Tripoli. He 
wishes the United States to look to the means, 
and to set about the gradual creation of a navy ; 
so that a future war of Europe may not find 
our commerce in the same unprotected state in 
which it was found by the present. 

He then proceeded to recommend the estab- 
lishment of certain branches of manufacture on 
public account ; particularly those which are of 
a nature essential to the furnishing and equip- 
jring of the public force in time of war. 

He judiciously recommends the institution of 
a Board of Agriculture, composed of proper 
characters, charged with collecting and diffuf ing 
information, and enabled by premiums and small 
pecuniary aids, to encourage and assist a spirit 
of discovery and improvement. Experience 
lias proved this to be a cheap instrument of im- 
mense national benefit. He then recalls the at- 
tention of Congress, to a subject, he had before 
proposed to their consideration, the expediency 
of establishing a national university, and also 
a military academy. He points out as motives 
to the institution of a national university, the 
assimilation of the principles, opinions, and 
manners of our countr. men, by the common 
education of a portion of our youth from every 
quarter; and remarks that the more homogene- 
ous our eiiizens can be made in these particu- 
lars, the greater will be the prospect of gui* 



Memoirs of General Washington. 91 

permanent union : and that a primary object 
should be the education of our youth in the 
science of GOVERNMENT. In a republic, 
what species of knowledge can be equally im- 
portant ? and what duty can be more pressing 
on its Legislature, than lo patronize a plan for 
communicating it to those who are to be "the 
future guardiaus of the liberties of the country ? 

The institution of the military academy, he al- 
so observes, is recommended by cogent reasons. 
However pacific, says he, the general policy of 
a nation may be, it ought never to be without 
an adequate stock of military knowledge, for 
emergencies. 

The following important paragraph is verba- 
tim : " The compensations to the officers of 
the United Spates, in various instances, and in 
none more than in respect to the most impor- 
tant stations, appear to call for legislative revi- 
sion. The consequences of a defective provi- 
sion are of serious import to the government. 
If private wealth is to supply the defect of pub- 
lic contribution, it will greatly contract the 
sphere, within which the selection of a character 
for office is to be made, and will proportiona- 
bly diminish the probability of a choice of men, 
able, as well as upright. Besides, that it would 
be repugnant to the. vital principles of our go- 
vernment, virtually to exclude from public trust, 
talents and virtue, unless accompanied by 



92 Memoirs of General Washington. 

The President then expresses his regret at 
the unpleasant circumstances which have oc- 
curred relative to the French republic ; his ar- 
dent wish being to maintain cordial harmony, 
as far as is consistent with the rights and honor 
of our country. 

The House of Representatives he informed, 
thnt the levenues of the United States continue 
in a state of progressive improvement : and are 
invited to take such further measures as will as- 
certain, to our country, the speedy extinguish- 
ment of the public debt. 

Re then concluded his address to both hours 
of Congress, in the following words : " My soli- 
citude to see the militia of the United States 
placed on an efficient establishment, has been 
so often and so ardently expressed, that I shall 
but barely recall the subject to your view, on 
the present occasion. At Hie same time, I 
shall submit to your inquiry, whether our har- 
bors are yet sufficiently secured. 

" The situation in which I now stand, for the ' 
last time, in the midst of the representatives of; 
the people of the Uuited Slates, naturally re- 
calls the period, when the administration ofi 
the present form of government commenced ; ; 
and I cannot omit the occason to congratulate i 
you, and my country, on the success of the ex- 
periment ; nor to repeat my fervent praj^er 
to the Supreme Ruler of (he Universe, and 
Sovereign Arbiter of Nations, that his provi- 



Memoirs of General Washington. 93 

^ential care, may still be extended to the Unit- 
ed States ; that the virtue and happiness of 
the people may be preserved ; and that the 
government which they have instituted for the 
protection of their liberties may be perpetual." 
The last official act of President Washington, 
h a letter to the Secretary of State, dated 
Marc! 1 3d, 1797. It respects certain forged let- 
ters, which were published in the years 1777 
and 1796, and obtruded on the public as his. 
They were published at the two most critical 
periods of his life, with the view of striking at 
the integrity of Ins motives, of wounding his 
character, and of deceiving the people. At 
the conclusion, therefore, of his public imploy- 
ments, he deemed it a duty which he owed to 
himself, to his country, and to truth, io detail 
the circumstances, and solemnly to declare, 
that the letters (the dates of which he recites) 
are base forgeries, were never written by him, 
and that he never saw or heard of them, until 
they appeared in print. During the period in 
which he held the supreme command of the 
army, and his civil administration, the purity of 
his own mind prevented him from contradicting 
the falsehood by any public declaration ; but, 
upon his retiring to private life, and not know- 
ing how soon a more serious event might take 
place, he made this public declaration, and 
requested that it might be deposited in the of- 
fice of the department of state, as a. testimony 



94 Memoirs of General Washington. 

of the truth to the present generation and t 
posterity. 

On the 22d of March, 1797, General Wasf, 
ington took a farewell of all public employ men 
and left Philadelphia for his estate at Moun 
Vernon. In every town through which he pai 
sed on his way, he received the grateful an 
affectionate addresses which were so justly flu 
to his merits from an enlightened and gratefi 
people. 

Haying thus amply described the avgm 
Washington in his public character and oftci 
capacity, suffer us, for a moment, to folio 
him in private, and take a view of him in tr 
character of a plain citizen in his rural residenc 
at Mount- Vernon. 

The virtuous simplicity which distinguishc 
the private life of General Washington, thoug 
less known than the dazzleing splendour of h 
military achievements, is not less edifying ij 
example, or worthy the attention of his ccuj! 
trymen. The conspicuous character he h; 
acted on the theatre of human affairs, the ue 
form dignity with which he sustained his pa 
amidst difficulties of the most discouraging n 
ture, and the glory of having arrived throu$ 
them at the hour of triumph, having made m 
ny official and literary persons, on both sides 
the ocean, ambitious of a correspondence wi 
him. These correspondencies unavoidably e) 
grossed a great portion of his time ; and tl 



Mtmoirs of General Washington. 9'0 

{communications contained in them, combined 
with the numerous periodical publications and 
Newspapers which he perused, rendered him, 
as it were, the focus of political intelligence, for 
the new world. Nor were his conversations with 
well infomed men less conducive to bring him 
acquainted with the various events which hap- 
pened in the different countries of the globe. 
fEvery foreigner of distinction, who travelled 
in America, made it a point to visit him. Mem- 
bers of congress, and other dignfied personages, 
seldom passed his house without calling to pay 
] their respects. As another source of informa- 
tion, it may be mentioned, that many literary 
productions were sent to him annually by the 
authors in Europe ; and that there is scarely 
one work written in America, on any art, science, 
or subject, whieh did not seek his protection 
or which w r as not offered to him as a token of 
gratitude. Mechanical inventions were frequent- 
ly submitted to him for his approbation, and 
natural curiosities presented to him for his inves- 
tigation. But the multiplicity of epistolary 
applications, often on the remains of some busi- 
' ness which happened when he was in office, 
sometimes on subjects foreign to his situation, 
frivolous in their nature, and intended merely 
to graitfy the vanity of the writers by drawing 
answers from him, were truly distressing 
and almost incredible. His benignity in answer- 
ing, prehaps, increased the number. Did lie 



95 Memoirs of General Washington. 

not husband every moment to the best advan- 
tage, it would not have been in his power to 
notice the vast variety of subjects that claimed 
his attention. 

In his manner of living he was extremely re- 
gular, temperate and industrious. lie rose win- 
ter and summer, at the dawn of the day, gener- 
ally read or wrote sometimes before breakfast ; 
breakfasted about seven o'clock on Indian hoe- 
cake and tea, and often rode immediately to his 
different farms, and remained with his labourers 
till a little after two o'clock, when he returned ; 
at three he dined, commonly on a single dish, 
nm\ drank from half a pint to a pint of Madeira 
wine ; this with one small dish of lea which he 
took half an hour before the setting of the sun, 
constituted his whole sustenence t'rll the next 
day. His table, however, was always furnished 
with elegance and exuberence, but was void of 
pomp ; and whether he had company or not, he 
remained an hour at table in familiar conversa- 
tion. His temper was of a serious cast, and 1 
his countenance carried the impression of 
thoughtfulncss ; yet he perfectly reli&hed a pleas- 
ant story, an unaffected saiiy ol wit, or a bur- 
lesque description. After dinner he applied him-: 
self to business, nd about nine retired to rest;: 
but when he had company he politely attemitd 
upon them till they wished to withdraw. — Agri- 
culture was his favorite employment ; he made 
observations on the produce of huds ) and eu 



Memoirs of General Washington. $7 

deavored to thorw new light on the business of 
the farmer ; linen and woolen cloths were man- 
ufactured under his roof; and order and econ- 
omy were established in all his departments, 
both within and without doors. Mrs. Washing- 
ton presided over the whole, and united to the 
qualities of an excellent farmer's Wife, that 
simple dignity which ought to characterize a 
woman whose husband has acted so distinguish- 
ed a part on the public theatre.— Such is the 
history of the private life of this great character. 

On the 14th of December, 1799, it pleased 
Divine Providence to remove him from this 
life ; he was in his 63th year, and in the enjoy- 
ment of perfect health ; the disorder of which 
he died was an inflammatory sore throat, which 
proceeded from a slight cold. 

" On Friday, the 15th, he rode out to one of 
his plantations, and was much wet by the rain, 
on reluming. He was taken with the croup 
that night ; but from humanity to his servants 
and tenderness to his physician, verry imf&'lu- 
nately declined sending for medical aid, until 
day-light on Saturday morning. 

" Before Dr. Craik arrived at Mount Vernon, 
the General had been bled by one of his over- 
seers. The doctor repeated the same immedi- 
ately ; to whom the General obseved, " he had 
sent for him to late ;" and seemed to have a 
presentiment of his dissolution ; Doctors Dick 
and Brown also attended. 

I 



93 Memoirs of General Washington, 

" As his respiration became difficult, he said 
calmly, " Doctors I die hard." But, notwith- 
standing the excruciating agonies of his violent 
disease, he tranquilly asked several question^ 
during the evening. About fifteen minutes be- 
fore he died, (which was between 11 and l£ 
o'clock, on Saturday night, the 14th of Decem- 
ber) he said to Doctor Craik, " doctor, what is 
the clock ? how long am 1 to continue in this sit- 
uation ?" The doctor answered, " Not long sir? 9 
He then rejoined, with the firmest countenance 
imaginable, " I have no fear, doctor, to die" 

Mrs. Washington was at the bed side with 
his family, and a number of domestics in the 
room. He would not wound their sensibility 
by taking a formal leave of any one. — At last 
his breathing grew shorter, he closed his eyes and 
mouth with his own hands, and expired ! Thus 
did the last moments of this venerable man 
correspond with the whole tenor of his well 
spent life. He died with perfect resignation to 
the will of Heaven, and in full possession of 
his reason ; not a groan or complaint escaped 
him ! 

THE END, 



ADVERTISEMENT. 

Just Published, and For Sale, 

BY B. J1JW J. BUS SELL, Jr. 

A 

GEOGRAPHICAL VIEW 

OP 

UPPER CANADA, 

And promiscuous remarks upon the Govern- 
ment ; with an Appendix, containing a com- 
plete description of the Niagara Falls, and 
remarks relative to the situation of the inha- 
bitants, respecting the war. 

By MICHAEL SMITH. 

Price 25 Cents. 

—ALSO— 

The Life, Travels, Voyages, and Daring En- 
gagements of 

PAUL JONES. 

Containing numerous anecdotes of his Undaunt- 
ed Courage. — To which is added, 
The Life and Adventures of 

PETER WILLIAMSO N, 

Who was Kidnapped when an Infant, from his 
native place, Aberdeen, and sold for a slave 
in America. Price 20 Cents, 



ADVERTISEMENT. 

—ALSO— 

A COMPLETE LIST OF THE 

AMERICAN 

NAVY. 

Showing the Name, Number of Guns, Com- 
mander's Name, and Station of Each Ves- 
sel, to October 1, 1813. 

To which is Added, 

STEELE'S LIST OP THE ROYAL NAVY 

OF 

GREAT-BRITAIN. 

Price 12 1-2 Cents. 

Together with Chronological Problems, Song- 
Books, Chap-Books, Toys, &c. &c. ; all ob 
which are for sale, wholesale and retail, very; 
cheap. 

PEiJVTKNifir 7 3 

Of all kinds, executed with neatness and despatch 



, 



'•C. ; >'" ;'., 






B. & J. RUSSELL, jr. 

Have Just Published, and Offer For Sale, 
Wholesale and Retail } 

THE LIFE OF 






s 



PAUL JONES, 

I 

hi TO WHICH IS ADDED 

13 TOE ijMi .4YD ADVENTURES 

PETER WILLIAMSON. 

—LIKEWISE— 

Offir For Sale, 

A cpneral assortment of SCHOOL BOOKS, 

.with a great variety of Chap-Books Toys, 

arid other Smo& Books, for the 

amusement and instruction 

of Children. 

PRINTING, 

Handsomely executed) and on short notice, 
in all its various branches. 

Hartford, October 13, 1813. .*- . 



* 



i 



I 



5-: 



c 

I 






H 



e 



ri- 
fe 



i 



THaa33EE33MiOT^^ 






°o 




Jig* - *•* o* °* 



o V 



© °_" • « 














^ * 



^ 









• OP- 



**<? 









• /°- . 







"oy 



